Photography: Noah Valentyn
Styling & MUAH: Sjoerd Willemsen
Interview: Paul Hofman
This year Pride Amsterdam has eight ambassadors who will carry the theme “Heroes.” With her story and infectious laugh, young Loena Maas (20) stands out like no other. She was hugely surprised to be chosen from nine nominees. “I was extremely nervous and it took a while before it really sank in.” It felt like her childhood dream coming true.
Her parents entered her for the title. According to Pride Amsterdam director Lucien Spee, her online lead in votes was due to “her enthusiastic, open-hearted commitment to the transgender community.”
Being seen as a role model for young trans people means a lot to her. “I can give something back now.” When asked whether she had a hero as a queer child, she doesn’t hesitate: “That’s definitely Lady GaGa. Her message and music move me. ‘Always fight for someone’ is her motto — that resonates deeply with me. It was like the first domino fell for me. She inspired me.”
She is proud to be the first Youth Pride Ambassador. “That I’ve achieved this at twenty means a great deal to me.”
Loena briefly talks about growing up in Limburg. “I was born here as a boy.” She realised she didn’t feel comfortable in her body. After seeing the documentary about trans woman and former Pride ambassador Valentijn de Hingh she knew for sure. “That beautiful film opened my eyes.”
At fourteen Loena came out as transgender. A year later she began her transition. It was a difficult period during which she faced many prejudices from those around her. Loena prefers not to dwell on it.
Now that she has become one of Pride’s figureheads she wants to work even harder for transgender rights. “There is still a lot of misunderstanding. There is also a lack of knowledge about us.” It hurt her that the word ‘gender-neutral’ was voted the most irritating word of 2017. “It’s absurd. It makes me very sad.”
She has several striking tattoos on her arms that immediately draw attention. Will she add one for Pride Amsterdam? “Definitely. I’m just still thinking about the design.” She can’t wait to get started.
Pride Ambassador since 2018
