Text: Paul Hofman
Photo: Remon van den Kommer
Video: Paradox Productions
Youth Ambassador Ronald Benita: 'Listen, inspire and do'
Ronald (19) was overwhelmed when he heard he was named the winner of the Youth Pride Ambassador 2022 election. He is eager to get started. ' The Rotterdam native is extremely happy to have become an ambassador. 'I had to let it sink in for a while because it was quite big news.' Most of all, pride prevailed. 'At the same time, I realised that I am really ready for this upcoming Pride period.'
Difference
The idea of wanting to become a youth ambassador arose a few years ago, says young Ronald, who is studying at the Rotterdam School of Theatre. 'Last year, I had huge doubts whether I would apply then. Unfortunately, I didn't do it then because I felt I wasn't ready for this yet. A while ago, I saw an appeal via Youth Pride's instagram account. I must say that I had my doubts about signing up this year too. In the end, I did sign up by submitting a video.' He has been struggling with himself and his homosexuality. 'I hope that with my knowledge and experience I can now help others make this struggle smaller.' As an ambassador, he can make that difference.
Threshold
As a result, he was chosen from the many entries to carry the title this year. As an ambassador, I find it very important that Pride is accessible to everyone who wants to go. Up close, I notice that it can be quite an obstacle to go to and participate in Pride. For example, if you are still in the closet or in doubt, it can be quite frightening.'
Pride is more
Ronald himself always hands out flyers on Purple Friday. This is the big day of action of the GSA(Gender & Sexuality Alliance). Every year, on that second Friday of December, many Dutch primary, secondary and high schools are put in rainbow colours. Universities in our country also participate. This is how the alliance promotes sexual and gender diversity as the norm. Not only are flyers handed out then but posters are also put up. With the aim of creating visibility.
'I think it would be good to also hand out flyers and put up posters at schools during Pride. 'I would like to make it clear that Pride is not just a party.' According to Ronald, it is much more. 'Of course the annual Pride is super fun and enjoyable, but there is also such an important meaning behind it. And I would like to explain that so that young people know better what Pride means.'
'As an ambassador, I would also like to engage with queer people of colour. Because I used to be looking for myself. I couldn't find that anywhere. So now I would like to be an example for the younger me and others. I want to see more black queer representation on social media, in newspapers and magazines and, of course, at the annual Pride.
Queer city
As a Rotterdam native, Benita feels at home in Amsterdam, he says with a laugh. 'It feels right. I really like Amsterdam and enjoy spending my time here. As a queer person, I have always felt safe there so far. Amsterdam is really a queer city. I am always excited when I go to Amsterdam. I want to get to know the city even better.' He can still clearly remember the first Pride he experienced. 'That was three years ago. On the day of the Pride, I came out of the closet right away.' Proudly: 'At the time, I had taken a photo where I was standing in front of a sign saying 'Welcome to Pride Amsterdam'. I posted that immediately and then put my phone away. I got a lot of positive reactions.'
Seventeen
Ronald muses: 'A few years ago, I had absolutely no idea who I was. Now I do, although I am still growing. With my self-assurance, knowledge and love, I would like to convey this to other queer people. If I had ever told my younger self of 15 that I would be out of the closet at 17 and later be a Pride ambassador, I probably would never have believed it.' Ronald has made his former self proud.
Pride ambassador since 2022
View all Pride ambassadors.