Text: Tammie Schoots
Photo: Remon van den Kommer
Video: Paradox Productions
Thorn de Vries (they/them and they/theirs) has become indispensable to the LGBTQIA+ community. From you could safely say they have had a meteoric rise. Where this non-binary gem was handing out wristbands for a party at Melkweg four years ago, they have since performed on the biggest queer stages. Acting is their great passion; they recently played one of the lead roles in the film Anne+ (released internationally on Netflix) and appeared in the TV series Spangas: de Campus. Besides their career as a drag king and actor, they advocate for the emancipation and visibility of gender-diverse people — a cause that is sorely needed. “As a community we have made enormous strides, and that’s something to be proud of,” Thorn says, “but we mustn't assume we’re done.”
Being an ambassador for Pride Amsterdam was on Thorn’s bucket list. Four years ago they were nominated as Youth Ambassador — a process decided by jury and vote — but they were not chosen then. Now they have been. A small smile appears when Thorn leans back and takes a sip of coffee. We’re in an ordinary café, on an ordinary square, in a typical neighbourhood, where they live not far away.
Pride
Thorn is crystal clear about the ambassadorship: “I want to start a conversation about the commercialisation of Pride and about diversity.” When they talk with the LGBTQIA+ community they always hear the same question: “Is Pride still ours?” Thorn thinks that’s understandable. “There are many big brand names visible on the boat parade, but smaller organisations often can’t afford a spot.” They criticise the hordes of tourists in novelty penis tiaras who occupy the front row. “They should ask themselves whether this is their place. The answer can be yes, but I want to make people think. After all, it is a day for the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Thorn emphasises inclusion of all LGBTQIA+ people because they know better than most how important Pride is. “Every year during Pride I have to cry a little. In that moment I can finally breathe.” With a twinkle in their eye they call Pride a day of love. “Instead of being merely stared at, I see others and they see me. Not tolerance, but equality. During Pride I am so proud of our community.”
Drag king
The young artist began as a drag performer in Amsterdam’s nightlife. “A friend of mine is a drag queen. I once put on my brave shoes and asked if I could come along.” That’s how Thorn ended up at a Rupaul’s Drag Race party at Melkweg where they handed out wristbands for the afterparty. It didn’t go off without a hitch. “I’d made a kind of glitter beard — now I have a way to secure that properly, but back then I didn’t. So halfway through the whole beard slid down.”
Embracing imperfection is a big part of drag for Thorn. They organise nights at club NYX where young drag kings can get a taste of the craft. Their advice to newcomers: “You just have to do it. It’s messy and it will never be perfect. That’s okay. It’s never going to be perfect. The point of drag is to have fun.”
Thorn describes their experience on stage as liberating. “When I look out at the audience, I feel on top of the world. I’m an introvert, but on stage I can discover another side of myself.” Even though the drag king has graced major queer venues, such as the Homomonument and the Pride main stage, self-doubt still visits. “Someone recently asked why I don’t take part in Drag Race Holland, but I’m just not good enough for that.”
Acting
The critical inner voice of the non-binary star also pops up in their acting. “On the first day of filming the youth series Spangas: de Campus, where I play the non-binary student Lesley, I thought: don’t mess it up for yourself.” Many scenes later Thorn can finally look back with satisfaction: “By now I think I did well.” Thorn’s acting has had immense significance for the LGBTQIA+ community. “The non-binary character Lesley finally shows a normal representation of gender-diverse people, without constantly focusing on identity. Just a student like the rest, living a life. That shows we’re simply human too.”
Thorn also recently appeared in the feature film Anne+, which gives an insight into queer life in Amsterdam. Their favourite moment comes from the notorious sex scene. “My non-binary character Lou takes off their shirt, their sexual partner then looks at the scars under their chest. The only thing Lou says is: beautiful, huh?” Thorn pauses. “Gives me goosebumps! It’s very important to me that transgender bodies are seen as beautiful and sexy. But even more important is that gender-diverse people see themselves reflected for the first time.”
Still, they sigh. “I would love to play other roles too. A bartender can be non-binary as well. Many productions are enthusiastic but often don’t dare to take the step.”
Role model
As soon as Thorn hears the word role model, they freeze. “I cringe… I find it very sweet but it places a huge responsibility on me.” When I tell the 17-year-old student Doris who is doing their graduation project about non-binary words like joyfriend, a term Thorn and their friend introduced, Thorn softens. “For me that is real fuel: this is what I do it for. I also get a lot of negative reactions, often very personal. That I’m ruining the world, things like that. Doris’s response makes it all worth it.”
Thorn hopes equality will not be left behind now that transgender and non-binary people are more visible than ever. “When I’m on stage everyone always loves that I don’t look like a man or a woman. But in the supermarket it suddenly becomes strange and confusing.” To all cis people who snap their fingers and cheer during a performance they wants to ask: “Besides consuming queer culture, what do you contribute so that everyone can be who they want to be?”
Pride ambassador since 2022
