Interview: Paul Hofman
Youth Pride ambassador Robin Lemònt speaks: ‘Positivity is so important’
This year they were named Youth Pride ambassador for the upcoming Pride. A role that suits the Amsterdam-born person perfectly. In 2019 Robin (22) already had the burning ambition to take on this role but didn’t get it then. Recently Robin (as known as Mando Sitabi) finally won the prestigious title. ‘I want to see more Asian queer people in the media’.
The new youth ambassador greets me enthusiastically. Laughing: ‘I really have a story to tell.’ And that is no exaggeration. About their childhood they say: ‘I was born here. When I was five my mother passed away.’ It was a traumatic event. Their oldest sister took them in and became their legal guardian. ‘We are eleven years apart but we built a big, warm bond.’ On Saturdays and Sundays they have ‘weekend’ foster parents. They describe themselves as non-binary. Robin emphasises that their gender does not fit the binary categories of man or woman. Robin explicitly asks that I use the pronouns they and them. ‘I am not a man and I’m not a woman.’
Stage
After primary school Robin goes to HAVO. They will not complete it, however. About that school period: ‘School made me very depressed. Robin regularly performs as a drag artist. Robin Lemònt is their drag name. It’s not a name chosen at random, they smile. ‘Robin is not a typically male or female name, it’s gender-neutral actually. And I absolutely love the colour yellow, hence Lemònt,’ they explain. ‘It references lemon and lime, slightly sour but very fresh.’ ‘As a drag character I actually stay pretty close to myself: but more confident.’
After leaving secondary school, Robin starts working. Soon they begin as a jack-of-all-trades at the Amsterdam nightclub Exit. ‘I already knew the place because I went there a lot when I went out.’ They have been working there for two years now. They’re very happy that the COVID rules for hospitality have eased. ‘Wonderful to be working again. I notice there are far fewer tourists in the city. But with the people who do come you become very close. I missed people during the hospitality closures.’
Ups & downs
They turn out to be a chatterbox who frequently interrupts serious remarks with a burst of laughter. Literally on the evening before the application deadline for a new ambassador, they decided to try once more for the title. ‘I was really insecure. But I still felt ready. So I went for it.’ And now successfully. How did they react when they heard they had become youth ambassador? ‘For me it was a wow effect. An emotional moment too. I was super happy. At the same time a bit of recognition for what I’d done so far.’ They pause for a moment: ‘I’ve known a lot of struggles in my life. Deep lows and great highs. I was like: I made it.’
Robin came out when they were twelve. Relatively young, I say. ‘I felt it from a young age.’ Their sister and friends knew before they did, they say. Looking back: ‘My coming-out went smoothly. Everyone accepted it fully.’ Except for a few people at school, they say softly.
Racism and homophobia
Robin regularly faces racist and homophobic remarks. It remains vivid in their memory. It hit them hard. ‘I was so vulnerable. Because I have brown skin and ‘as a transgender person I was different from others and became a target. Still I tried not to let it get to me. But I fell into a depression.’ Robin quickly left that school afterwards. They decided not to be defeated and became active in the GSA council (gender sexual alliance) at their school and with Amsterdam’s COC. Their eyes light up as they talk about it. Activism is in their genes as Robin notes that it’s important for talking about being different to get more attention in school lessons. ‘One hour in the whole school year is not enough. You can’t start too early, I’m convinced of that.’
Hate
They stress: ‘I have Asian blood in me. I know what it’s like to face Asian hate. That’s an issue Robin wants to focus on during their ambassadorship. Combative: ‘Also I don’t see enough queer Asian people in the media.’
They carry that burden of discrimination into their role as ambassador. ‘I will work for all LGBTI young people. I have experienced what it’s like to be rejected. I believe everyone has a right to exist. We should do it together in our lives.’ Their message is clear: ‘Be who you are, be seen and celebrate life.’ To ending: ‘We’re one family’. With their charm, cheerfulness and serious message, Robin as youth ambassador can make a difference.
Pride ambassador since 2021
