Sharmila Vooren

Sharmila Vooren, also known as @sharmilamua or Sharmila Gabbana (21) is an Indonesian-Dutch, trans, queer and disabled woman. She is a make-up artist, creative director and activist. With her company VAIN Beauty (@vainbeauty.co) she helps people express themselves through make-up and harbours a safe space for queer, trans and disabled people. Throughout her work and activism she tries to fight for a more humane society and support community initiatives that promote mutual aid, care, joy, freedom and healing.

Photo by: Tomi Cornio @tomicornio

Q&A

Q1. Can you share your personal journey and what it means to you to be an LGBTQ+ ambassador?

Sharmila: I came out for the first time at 13 as bi, and since then have known many identities and forms until I decided to start transitioning and rebirth as Sharmila at 16 years old. My transition is really an endless love letter to myself. A promise to always keep looking inward, stay true to myself and hold space for myself no matter how tough things get. I have been a public LGTBQ+ ambassador since I was 14 years old. Throughout my work and activism I try to fight for a more humane society and support community initiatives that promote mutual aid, care, joy, freedom and healing. It means everything to me to represent a community that has done so much for me, and by pouring back into them I feel very humbled.

Q2. How has your cultural background influenced your experiences as an LGBTQ+ individual?

Sharmila: In my childhood, I didn’t think being queer and trans was possible for someone like me. I didn’t know or see queer trans women who looked like me while growing up in the Netherlands. But when I became older and started learning more about the history of queerness in Indonesia, it helped me embrace all parts of myself; including those that society deemed as unwanted or undesirable.

Q3. What advice would you give to young Asian LGBTQ+ individuals?

Sharmila: Take your time! You will never stop getting to know yourself, so give yourself the space and time to do so. Nothing has to be set in stone. Find your community, stay humble and treat yourself with softness and grace. And know your history: we are nothing without the shoulders we stand on.

Q4. What can people do in their everyday lives to contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society?

Sharmila: I think in order to contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society, we have to be open to listen to each other, make intentional decisions and keep looking at the bigger picture. None of us move forward if we are only focusing on our individual standpoints and issues; through collective liberation and solidarity we can truly all be free.