News Letter
Buro Curious | Being visible
At Buro Curious, we understand the importance of visibility. It’s more than just being seen; it’s about stepping into the spotlight and embracing the power of being noticed. And although being visible is empowering and gives you the chance to share your unique talents, passions, and ideas with the world, it isn’t easy. It is a process of understanding and learning how to embody. Whether it’s through captivating performances, interactive workshops, or engaging conversations, visibility offers a gateway to authentic self-expression.
When we allow ourselves to be seen and heard, we create space for our unique talents, passions, and ideas to succeed. And while visibility begins with recognising our own inner brilliance, it also involves advocating for visibility of others. At Buro Curious we take care of visibility all year round. By actively acknowledging, supporting and amplifying underrepresented groups, we celebrate diversity.
While our immersive experiences empower you to explore different facets of your identity, challenge your limitations, and unleash your full potential, this newsletter serves as a way to get inspired by some amazing people that chose to step into that spotlight.
Interview with Miss International Queen; Solange
Someone who knows a lot about the power of visibility is the amazing Solange Dekker. We have known Solange since 2021 when she co-hosted the event for the reveal of De Regenboogtrap in Amsterdam. Since then we have stayed in touch and kept track of her process. Most recently she was crowned ‘Miss International Queen’ in Thailand and we are so happy for her. Her accomplishment highlights how important it is to fully believe in yourself in order to achieve anything you want.
So, tell us everything, what was it like being so visible on your pageant experience in Thailand?
The whole pageant aspect for me is all about visibility, letting your voice be heard and using the stage that’s being given to you to achieve your dreams and goals but also to make the world a little bit of a better place. Thailand was extra special, l I didn’t have any drive or mentality to win, that wasn’t my main goal. Instead I really wanted to stand there and share my views, like the difficulties the LGBTQ+ community faces for example. I didn’t have to win, I wanted to address those current problems, that is what was important to me. And that’s where my visibility comes into play. Sometimes the more visible you are on the subjects you find important, the more that will be recognised and picked up. I didn’t travel to Thailand just to be pretty. I saw this as a chance and as an opportunity to help out.
And can you share something about your process, how did you come to the point that you chose the spotlight?
When I was younger I didn’t like to be in the spotlight. I didn’t know who I was, didn’t know where I wanted to go in life and I was very insecure about my own abilities . I think that’s what society makes queer people feel like; you don’t know your place in it.The first time I joined a pageant contest was very scary, I had no idea what to expect. It’s very difficult to understand how something will turn out when it’s uncharted territory. I just told myself the same thing as in Thailand: ‘I’ll see how this goes, it doesn’t matter if there’s no prize at the end’. Being there was already the prize.
Through pageant contests gave me the opportunity to grow into myself. Now I have a better sense of who I am, where I want to go and how I see myself. A beautiful thing participating in pageants has brought me: you make friends for life and you make friends with yourself. A beautiful experience I will never lose.
Why do you feel like it’s important for people to step into the spotlight?
The community I’m a part of, the trans community, is one of the most marginalized communities out there. It is important that their stories are heard, everyone of us has a backstory and has been through difficult experiences. And it is important that different kinds of people have the chance to share their stories instead of the same people over and over again. It’s extremely valuable for a younger generation to hear these stories so they understand they are not alone.
Talking about being visible, we’ve just celebrated Queer & Pride in Amsterdam. Why do you think this is important?
It’s a bit of a difficult concept. Pride started as a protest against the violence committed on homosexuals, lesbian women, drag queens, trans people and other queer people and has evolved into the celebration we know it as today. But the protest is never done, as the fight for acceptance and equal rights still continues. And in this fight, pride plays an important role in showing what we stand for. And it’s incredibly important that members of the LGBTQ+ community stay visible also when pride is over.
WHAT TO EXPERIENCE
Each edition we make a selection of moments we wouldn’t want to miss. This time we shine our light on experiences related to what to do after pride because we find it important to remember that pride is not just any temporary party. Although it feels free-spirited and fun, pride is a celebration of the rights of many underrepresented groups we addressed earlier in this newsletter. Queer visibility should not end after pride so here are Fumi’s Post Pride Tips:
Fumi Lennaerts | Coordinator & Connector Buro Curious
As a coordinator I bring structure in all our collaboration with performers and other artists. As a connector I bring people together. As a person I’m a life celebrator, big time. I live for great art, food, fashion and fun. As the Dutch say: een dag niet gelachen is een dag niet geleefd!
Pride is not over: sneakout Paradiso | 12 augustus
‘Pride is not over’ is an event filled with an all-queer lineup of live bands, DJ’s, rappers, dancers, Drag Kings and more.
Audelà | 25 augustus
Audela is a queer concept clothing store with carefully curated, vintage en up-cycled items. Everything is for everyone, their clothing is gender fluid. On Friday the 25th of August between 17.00 -21.00, they will have a final shopping event before they move out of their current location.
StreetHeartFestival | 9 september
A queer street party, organized by Club Church from 13.00 – 21.00. The dress code is pink/blue/white and the entry is free!
