Text: Paul Hofman
Photo: Remon van den Kommer
Video: Paradox Productions
She is arguably 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 figurehead and role model for many bi(sexual) people within the LGBTQ+ community. Her mission? “Make everything discussable. All taboos must go — especially those about sex and bisexuality.”
On a sunny day in the heart of De Pijp we sit down with this flamboyant activist and feminist to the core. ‘Better: an activist feminist.’ She talks freely and honestly about the issues closest to her. Topics include her ambassadorship, love, desire, life and her message.
Born in Friesland, she grew up in Brabant before ending up in Groningen. After secondary school she studied tourism. She graduated but turned her hobby into her work. In 2010 she started making her own YouTube videos, speaking candidly about sex in all its facets, her life and her sexual orientation.
It proved a hit. ‘Gradually I grew my follower numbers on Instagram. I’ve got about 42,000 now,’ she says proudly. Many of them have an LGBTQ+ background. It’s no surprise that by breaking taboos she became popular and a sought-after speaker and commentator. ‘I realised 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 knew I was drawn to sex and I was very open about it.’ She says she had her first orgasm at twelve. This gave her early experience with sexuality. As a curious teen she got to know herself well, becoming a knowledgeable and trusted source. At fifteen she started keeping a vlog.
Armpit hair and makeup
As an influencer she can make topics around sex discussable like no one else. ‘I do it in a natural and respectful way without being crude.’ About herself Linda says she likes armpit hair and also mascara. Strange? No way — it’s my choice and I won’t let anyone impose on me. She’s a rebellious type: that describes her best. ‘If everyone says yes, I’m the one who says no.’ She has no time for stereotypes.
She was nineteen when she came out as bisexual. ‘I thought about it carefully. I struggled with it, but it wasn’t necessary. For my family and friends it wasn’t a 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 must really be broken. As a woman you should be able to make your own choices — not just about beauty but also about sexuality.’ The older she gets, the better she gets to know herself.
She laughs that she could have invented the theme My Gender, My Pride herself. ‘I connect almost everything to my womanhood. But gender is fluid — I’m proud of who I am.’
A role model? ‘Absolutely, also as an ambassador. I often run into prejudice. Example? If a woman has lots of sex with different partners she’s labelled a slut. But if a man does it, it’s accepted.’ Her expression says it all. Outraged: ‘You get put in a box so quickly.’ Earlier this year a widely discussed topic was boundary-crossing behaviour by Dutch celebrities like singer Marco Borsato, Ali B and former footballers Marc Overmars and Winston Bogarde, as well as artists, footballers and politicians. Blaming the victim is, in my view, reprehensible. I’ve experienced boundary-crossing behaviour myself.’
As an ambassador she will make a difference, that’s for sure. Her message? ‘I do a lot of things that aren’t seen as feminine. I’m bold, tough, don’t wear a bra and I wear makeup. Beauty stuff isn’t really for me. I want to show a more diverse image of womanhood.’ She reveals at the last moment that she will celebrate Pride 2022 while also fighting — for acceptance and against the ignorance many people have about bisexuality. And she stresses: ‘Don’t be afraid of what others think. Stand up for yourself. I had to learn that self-confidence too. No matter how you look at it, Pride is still very much needed.’
Pride ambassador since 2022
