Photo: Philippe Vogelenzang
Interview: Paul Hofman
Dutch model, columnist and DJ. She is a trans woman. De Hingh became known through the documentary Valentijn, which followed her transition from male to female for nine years. She grew up in Lelystad and now lives in Amsterdam, where she studies literary studies and French at the University of Amsterdam. After her gender‑affirming surgery in 2007 she began modelling for brands including Martin Margiela and Love Magazine. In addition to her studies in literary studies, French and philosophy, she writes for Spunk.
Valentijn interview
“It’s about the message: be yourself!
Valentijn De Hingh became known from the documentary of the same name, which followed her transition from male to female for nine years. From the age of seventeen she has modelled for numerous international fashion brands. But Valentijn is more than a model: she is also a DJ and writer. This year the best‑known trans woman in the Netherlands is also our ambassador for EuroPride. “I’m super proud.”
Valentijn was born and raised in Lelystad. “I realised quite early on that I was different. People sometimes say that transgender people are trapped in the wrong body. Well, that absolutely doesn’t apply to me.” Was she bullied as a teenager? “I was always quite open about being transgender in class. I wasn’t really bullied, no. I did have boys come up to me and make unpleasant remarks. They would ask what was wrong with me.” That affected Valentijn deeply. She points out that education needs to include proper information. Issues like homosexuality and being transgender need to be explicitly addressed. Right now these topics are often underexposed. The government doesn’t take this up. That’s a real missed opportunity. There’s still a lot of work to be done here.
Who could have imagined she would be the face of EuroPride in 2016? “EuroPride is literally a celebration for everyone. Whether you’re straight, gay, lesbian, bi or transgender, we share this planet.” Yet Valentijn adds a critical note: “I think it’s important that we don’t isolate ourselves in silos within the LGBTI community. Together you are much stronger. That way you can better fight for your rights. Everyone needs to understand that. Honestly, I feel that transgender people have played a less prominent role in the LGBTI debate for a long time. We’ve really only gained momentum in the last year and a half, while the gay rights movement has been around for over 40 years.”
In terms of visibility transgender people have gained a lot. Also in media attention — think of the stories of Caitlyn Jenner and Loiza from Holland’s Next Top Model. Still, in her view there is more ground to win within the LGBTI community. Am I a role model? She thinks for a moment and then hesitantly says: “When I was young there were no role models for me. Maybe I do serve as an example for others. But again: every transgender person has their own story.”
Looking back: “Did you know that trans women and drag queens were at the forefront of the Stonewall riots in New York in 1969? We stood hand in hand to resist the humiliations by the police that LGBTI people endured back then. Now the LGBTI community is more diffuse and that saddens me.” What does EuroPride mean to me? “It’s much more than a party. It’s about the message: be yourself. And about searching for your own story. I make people aware that we as transgender people matter. And that we should show the world that you don’t decide for us how to be and how to live. From — I’ve had enough of those stereotypes. It’s awful how stuck people are in patterns. That pigeonholing is so outdated.” The EuroPride theme ‘Join our Freedom’ suits her perfectly.
Pride Ambassador since 2016
