Attention to domestic violence during Pride Amsterdam | NOW
The Pride Amsterdam, which starts on Saturday 30 July, is all about “My Gender, My Pride” this year. Attention is also paid to domestic violence.
transgender people are often victims of domestic violence. It may involve psychological, physical or sexual violence. Out research Transgender Netwerk Nederland shows that 42 percent of adult transgender people have experienced domestic violence.
Alejandra Ortiz moved from Mexico to the Netherlands seven years ago. In Mexico she was not accepted, not even by her family. “I deal with domestic violence when I lived with my family because I was different. I was a feminine boy.” The violence occurred not only at home but also at her school, church, village and later with partners. “I had two partners who were extremely violent towards me. It happened with one partner in Mexico and with the other here in the Netherlands.”
According to Alejandra, domestic violence against transgender people is a topic. “Transgender people are marginalized in many ways when it comes to accessing education from getting a job. And there’s a lot of shame surrounding being a relative of a transgender person.” And that, according to Alejandra, is why transgender individuals experience violence, marginalization, estimation, and depression.
Also during this year’s Pride, which will take place on Saturday 30 July, domestic violence will be commemorated. BeyonG Veldkamp is Pride ambassador and tells how domestic violence is brought to the attention. “For example, you have Pride Park with all kinds of rainbow markets with information about how people can get help, for example. That way people know that they are not alone and that they can get help,” said BeyonG.