Andre Damian

Andre Damian is the founder of the Utrecht Ballroom Scene, a community that empowers queer and trans people, particularly those of color, to develop their artistic talents and creative expression through Voguing and performance.

He is known in ballroom as Andre Gabbana, the Dutch Mother of the House of Gabbana. Andre is of Indonesian-Chinese descent, and identifies as gender fluid.

Q&A

Q1: Can you tell us about your personal journey and what it means to be a LGBTQ+ Ambassador?

Andre: My name is Andre Damian, and I am the founder of the Utrecht Ballroom Scene. I am also known in ballroom as the Dutch Mother of the House of Gabbana. I am 28 years old, of Indonesian-Chinese descent, and I identify as gender fluid. I currently live in Amsterdam, although I was born in Indonesia. I have lived in the Netherlands since I was three years old. Growing up as a queer Asian individual in predominantly white and cishet environments, I have always felt different from my peers. Five years ago, I discovered the ballroom community. For the first time, I found a space where queer people of color were centered and celebrated. My experiences in ballroom have opened my eyes and broadened my horizons regarding queer identity and gender expression.

I am thrilled to be an Ambassador of Asian Pride NL. In my early years as a baby queer, I found myself in predominantly white cis gay spaces. The contrast with my current circles is stark. Only now do I realise how much I need to be with other Asian queers and queer people of color. As Asian queers, connecting with each other is essential, especially in a society that is both queerphobic and racist. We must protect, heal, and recharge one another. Collective solidarity and community are crucial to me, and these values are what I aim to represent as an Ambassador.

Q2. What advice would you give to young Asian LGBTQ+ individuals?

Andre: To young Asian queer individuals, my advice is to embrace your unique identity and heritage. Don’t feel pressured to assimilate into Dutch societal norms or Eurocentric beauty standards.

Asians, in particular, often grow up with the expectation to be the 'model minority', and to strive for proximity to whiteness. Instead, I urge you to resist the urge to conform to white-centered standards. Celebrate the rich cultural background and identity that make you special.

Seek out and connect with communities that understand and support you. In these spaces, you'll find the strength and affirmation to be proud of who you are, both as an Asian person and as a queer individual. Your identity is something to be celebrated, not changed.

Q3. What can people do to contribute to a more inclusive society?

Andre: To contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society, it is important to first be aware of your own privileges. By viewing this through an intersectional lens, you can recognize the various ways people may be privileged or marginalized based on factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, (dis)ability, and socio-economic status.
Understanding your position and power in society helps you become a better ally for those who are less privileged. Educate yourself on the challenges faced by different marginalised communities.

With this knowledge, you can take meaningful action. Speak out against discrimination whenever you encounter it. Vote for political parties that support the inclusion of the less privileged. Create and support inclusive, safe spaces for people to gather. Advocate for representation and visibility in media and political leadership.