Text: Paul Hofman
Photo: Remon van den Kommer
Video: Paradox Productions
Undoubtedly she is the Pride ambassador with the most outspoken views. Linda de Munck (27) wears many hats: she is a presenter, writer and above all an influencer. With more than 42,000 followers she is a beacon and at the same time a role model for many bi(sexual) people within the LGBT community. Her mission? 'Make everything discussable. All taboos should go — especially those about sex and bisexuality.'
On a sunny day in the middle of De Pijp we sit down with this flamboyant activist and feminist through and through. 'Better: activist feminist.' She is a fountain of words who speaks openly and honestly about the subjects closest to her heart. Conversation topics: her ambassadorship, love, desire, life and her message.
Born in Friesland, she grew up in Brabant and later ended up in Groningen. After secondary school she studied tourism. She passed, but turned her hobby into her work. In 2010 she began making her own YouTube videos in which she spoke candidly about sex in all its facets, her life and her own orientation.
It turned out to be a bullseye. 'Gradually I grew in follower numbers on Instagram. I now have about 42,000,' she says proudly. Many of them have an LGBT background. It's no surprise that by breaking taboos she became popular and a sought-after speaker and commentator. 'I noticed I could make money from it. That's how I accidentally became an entrepreneur.'
'As a teenager I was a girl who was bullied a lot. From a young age I realised I was attracted to sex and I was very open about it.' She says she had her first orgasm at twelve. That way she encountered sex at a young age. As a curious teen Linda got to know herself well. She became a knowledgeable voice and a go-to person. At fifteen she started keeping a vlog.
Armpit hair and make-up
As an influencer she can make topics around sex discussable like no one else. 'I do it in a natural and respectful way without becoming vulgar.' About herself Linda says she likes armpit hair and mascara. Strange? No way — it's my own choice and I won't have anyone impose anything on me. Rebel type: that describes her best. 'If everyone says yes, I'm the one who says no.' She has no patience for stereotypes.
She was nineteen when she came out as bisexual. 'I thought about it carefully. I struggled with it, but it turned out to be unnecessary. For my family and friends it was no problem at all. I wanted to share my coming out with others via my social media. From people can learn from my own experiences.'
'There is so much more possible when it comes to sexuality. It's a big part of your identity. That taboo around it and around being bi really needs to be broken. As a woman you should be able to make your own choices, not only about beauty but also about sexuality.' The older she gets, the better she gets to know herself.
She laughs that she could have come up with the theme My Gender, My Pride herself. 'I link everything to my womanhood. But gender is fluid — I am proud of who I am.'
A role model? 'Absolutely, also as an ambassador. I often run into prejudice. Example? If a woman has a lot of sex with different partners she's labelled a slut. But if a guy does that it's accepted.' Her look says it all. Outraged: 'You get put in a box so quickly.' A subject that caused much uproar earlier this year was the inappropriate behaviour of Dutch celebrities such as singer Marco Borsato, Ali B and former footballers Marc Overmars and Winston Bogarde, artists, footballers and politicians. I find it reprehensible that some blame the victim. I myself have also experienced inappropriate behaviour.'
As an ambassador she will make a difference, that much is certain. Her message? 'I do many things that aren't seen as feminine. For example, I'm bold, tough, don't wear a bra and do wear make-up. Beauty things are not for me. I want to show a more diverse picture of womanhood.' She reveals at the last minute that she will celebrate Pride 2022 and at the same time fight — for acceptance and against the ignorance many people have about bisexuality. And she emphasises: 'Don't be afraid of others' opinions. Stand up for yourself. I had to learn that self-confidence too. No matter how you look at it, Pride is still sorely needed.'
Pride ambassador since 2022
