The coming-out of Johnny Jordaan

Aldert Mantje, The Amsterdam Schuttersstuk (view through to the gallery) 2001.

If you look through the window here, you will see the most famous twentieth century citizens of Amsterdam gathered together in a modern version of a 17th century civic guard portrait*. Among others: the internationally renowned Anne Frank, Freddy Heineken and Johan Cruyff.

‘Mokum’ is a popular name for Amsterdam, the word originates from the Hebrew. In the middle, the Amsterdam City Virgin takes centre stage with a joint in her hand. On her chest, a winged portrait of Rembrandt has been tattooed and on her stomach, the city arms.

Johnny Jordaan (to the far right) is an Amsterdam icon and singer of tearjerkers who become famous throughout The Netherlands. Not very many people know that Johnny Jordaan began his first (secret) homosexual relationship in 1958. It took a number of years till his coming-out at the end of the nineteen sixties. He was married but the marriage ended in 1982.

* ALT modern day Militia Group portrait

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The coming-out of Johnny Jordaan

Aldert Mantje, The Amsterdam Schuttersstuk (view through to the gallery) 2001.

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