Text: Paul Hofman
Photo: Leon Hendrickx
Video: Paradox Productions
Nickie Nicole: 'See the best in yourself' The first time Nickie Nicole (55) saw the Canal Parade of Pride Amsterdam, he was 'flabbergasted'. It is etched on his retina. 'Totally different from the New York Pride I knew.' 'I remember it was a bright day. It was broadcast on television and everyone was talking about it. 'The other day I saw that boat ride on an old videotape.' It made a deep impression on young Nickie. "It was pure magic. For me, it was one big party: singing, dancing and drinking.
As alter ego Nickie Nicole, New York-born Nicholas Carter is quickly making a career for himself. As a boy growing up in the Greenwich Village, he was fascinated by drag artists. 'At 17, I then took the plunge myself,' he says. Nickie discovered the gay bars in New York nightlife and soon after became a much sought-after drag queen.
Hearts
He is just twenty when he leaves America behind and heads for Europe. From Paris, he discovers this city during a weekend in Amsterdam. He falls for the city where anything goes and where there is complete freedom for lhbtiq+ people. Manfred Langer, the legendary owner of the then wildly popular pub Chez Manfred and infamous discotheque iT, discovers him when he sees Nickie perform. He is allowed to do his thing on stage at iT. From that first performance, he steals the hearts of the visitors. A short time later, he can also be seen in several gay bars in the popular Regulierdwarsstraat. A number of gay bars in the nightlife scene also offer him a stage. Names like Exit, Richter and Danscafé Havana pass by. The Nickie Nicole Shows become a household name.
Viewer hit
Nickie then performed for many years at countless small and large festive occasions, receptions and openings. Something she still does with heart and soul. In the mid-1990s, he gained national fame by participating in the television programme De Travestie Show. It became a ratings hit. At many an office coffee machine, the show is talked about extensively the day after. In her busy life, she manages to open a clothing shop for transvestites under the name Queens & Co.
In 2000, Nickie can be seen as a contestant on the television programme Big Brother VIPS. Besides performing, she later starts creating digitally produced paintings, which are exhibited at various locations. Life is smiling on Nickie. After the turn of the century, a personal tragedy caused him to return to the States. A death in his family needs his full attention.
Together
In New York, he misses Amsterdam. Two years later, Nickie decides to return and pursue her career as a drag queen. As an ambassador, Nickie will put her heart and soul into spreading the message that "together means more than one. Alone you may go faster but together you go further.' In unadulterated Amsterdamian: 'Just keep pulling together.'
When we ask her what Pride Amsterdam means to her, she does not have to think for a second. 'Pride embodies for me (Stonewall and the pride of our community but at the same time the victories we have achieved in the past, present and future). Especially proud of our loving allies, parents, teachers, neighbours, family and friends. Proud also of who you are and those you love, and to express that love freely as a standard of life'.
On the road
Nickie can currently be seen as a judge on the popular television programme Make up your mind presented by Carlo Boszhard. It is proving to be a resounding success. "This is the fourth season that I am participating. He garners a lot of admiration. His flamboyant appearance makes a big impression. Moreover, Nickie never minces words. "This is the third season I've competed. It's fantastic! Nickie is deeply concerned about the increasing violence against the lhbtiq+ community.
'It is sad and painful to note this. Violence is a strong wake-up call that the journey to full acceptance is still long. Today, people and organisations increasingly understand, respect and support us. Yet it is very important that we unequivocally condemn and combat violence. Once again, it is necessary to create our safe place together.' Stressed: 'We are on our way, but we are not there yet. However, I am confident that things will work out in the end. Everyone is different, make time for each other. We are stronger when we are united.' Nickie embraces the Pride 2024 Together theme like no other. 'We are one big rainbow family together.'
Dragscene
'Pride involves giving a bold and colourful expression to your personality.' I do my best during the ambassadorship to give joy, fun and happiness to the public. Personally, I get very inspired by the diversity of the drag scene. Proud to be able to contribute to that as Nickie Nicole.' It is unequivocal to say that thanks to Nickie's efforts, drag has become a true art form. Her Pride motto of seeing the best in yourself will not go unheard during and after Pride.
Pride ambassador since 2024
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