Text: Paul Hofman
Photo: Remon van den Kommer
Video: Paradox Productions
Youth Ambassador Ronald Benita: ‘Listen, inspire and act’
Ronald (19) was overwhelmed when he heard he had won the electionYouth Pride Ambassador2022 was announced. He is eager to get started. The Rotterdam-born young man is incredibly happy to be an ambassador. ‘I had to let it sink in for a while because it was big news.’ Above all he felt proud. ‘At the same time I realised I’m truly ready for this upcoming Pride season.’
Making a difference
The idea of becoming a youth ambassador started a few years ago, Ronald says, a young man studying at the Rotterdam theatre school. ‘Last year I seriously considered applying, but in the end I didn’t because I felt I wasn’t ready yet. A while ago I saw a call on theinstagramaccount ofYouth Pride. I have to say I had doubts about applying this year too. Ultimately I did apply by sending in a video.’ He has struggled with himself and his homosexuality. ‘I hope that with my knowledge and experience I can now help others so this struggle is smaller.’ As an ambassador he can make that difference.
Barrier
The result was that out of many entries he was chosen to carry the title this year. He will surely do so with flair. ‘As an ambassador I think it’s very important that Pride is accessible to everyone who wants to attend. From up close I notice it can be quite a barrier to go to Pride and take part. If, for example, you are still in the closet or unsure, it can be intimidating.’
Pride is more
Ronald hands out flyers every Purple Friday. This is the big action day of the GSA (Gender & Sexuality Alliance). Every year many Dutch primary, secondary and vocational schools are decked out in rainbow colours on that second Friday of December. Universities in our country take part too. The alliance promotes sexual and gender diversity as the norm. Not only are flyers handed out, but posters are also put up, all aimed at creating visibility.
‘I think it would be good to hand out flyers and put up posters at schools during Pride too. I want to make clear that Pride is not just a party.’ According to Ronald, it is much more. ‘Of course the annual Pride is super fun and sociable, but it also carries such an important meaning. I’d like to explain that so young people better understand what Pride is about.’
‘As ambassador I also want to commit toqueerpeople of colour. I used to search for myself and couldn’t find that reflection anywhere. That’s why I now want to be a role model for my younger self and for others. I want moreblack queerrepresentation on social media, in newspapers and magazines, and of course at the annual Pride.’
Queer city
Benita, laughing, says he feels at home in Amsterdam as a Rotterdammer. ‘It feels good. I love Amsterdam and enjoy spending time here. As a person I have felt safe here so far. Amsterdam is truly aqueerqueercity. I always get excited when I go to Amsterdam. I want to get to know the city even better.’ He vividly remembers the first Pride he attended. ‘That was three years ago. On the day of Pride I immediately came out.’ Proud: ‘I took a photo of myself in front of a sign that said “Welcome to Pride Amsterdam”. I posted it straight away and then put my phone away. I got a lot of positive responses.’city. I always get excited when I go to Amsterdam. I want to get to know the city even better.’ He remembers his first Pride clearly. ‘That was three years ago. On the day of Pride I came out right away.’ Proud: ‘I took a photo of myself standing in front of a sign that said ‘Welkom bij Pride Amsterdam’. I posted it immediately and then put my phone away. I received so many positive responses.’
Seventeen
Ronald reflects: ‘A few years ago I had absolutely no idea who I was. Now I do, although I’m still growing. With my confidence, knowledge and love I want to pass this on to otherqueerpeople. If I had told my fifteen-year-old self that I would be out by seventeen and later a Pride ambassador, he probably wouldn’t have believed it.’ Ronald has made his younger self proud.
Pride ambassador since 2022
