There is a lot of negative talk about homosexuality, so I decided not to come out to my family. Because of this I feel like I don’t belong, I feel I’m not allowed to be who I really am. I isolate myself from my family and won’t take part in any activities. To live in isolation is not easy, but I felt it was my last resort, the only way I can survive.
We are supposed to be all equal, but I don’t feel that at all. I feel alone. I wish I had someone in my circle who could understand, who I could talk to without having to wear my mask. I just want to be myself.
To my fellow LGBTQ+ people I want to say: please remember we are also part of society; we want to be treated equally. In the end, life is short, you need to choose for yourself and listen to your heart.
The people portrayed as invisible in the IN/VISIBLE photo-exhibit are regular participants of Wereldcafé. Wereldcafé is a monthly activity organized by COC Amsterdam en omstreken, where bicultural LGBTIQ+ persons can meet in a closed setting to find a social network and discuss topics relevant to their personal empowerment. If you come from a bicultural background and are LGBTIQ+ or questioning, and want to be in contact with likeminded people, you can contact us at: wereldcafe@cocamsterdam.nl. We look forward to meeting you.