The Gift of Being Myself
For Dutch comedian and television host, the ability to live openly as a lesbian woman is something she considers a true blessing. “The fact that I can be myself at this time…is a gift from God. I cannot imagine any other period in which I could have lived this life,” she reflects. Her work as a UNICEF ambassador takes her to various places around the world, including conflict zones, where she witnesses firsthand the stark realities of limited freedoms. “I am amazed at the lack of rights in the world,” she observes. “The obvious fact that I can be married to a woman here does not apply everywhere. In Russia, the LGBTQIA+ community is on the list of terrorist organizations.” As a member of a minority group, De Breij acknowledges the privilege she holds, recognizing that she’s often among the frist to experience the consequences of societal injustices. “You’re more likely to be the canary in the coal mine,” she says. Despite the progress made, De Breij believes that being queer remains a challenge, even in seemingly progressive societies. “I thoght I would be the last generation for whom it is complicated to say they are queer. It is only becoming more arduous for young people to ‘come out.’ It’s always difficult not to be what others expected.”## The Gift of Being Myself: An Interview with Claudia de Breij
**Archyde:** Claudia, you’ve spoken candidly about the privilege you feel to live openly as a lesbian woman. Can you elaborate on what that means to you?
**Claudia de Breij:** It truly feels like a gift. I can’t imagine a time when I couldn’t be myself openly and honestly. It’s a blessing I don’t take for granted, especially when I see the struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals around the world.
**Archyde:** Your work with UNICEF takes you to places where freedoms are severely limited. How has witnessing those realities impacted your perspective?
**Claudia de Breij:** It’s been eye-opening and humbling. Traveling to conflict zones and seeing firsthand the lack of basic human rights, including the freedom to love who you choose, is deeply concerning. It makes me realize how precious these freedoms are and how much work still needs to be done.
**Archyde:** As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, you’ve also spoken about being “the canary in the coal mine” when it comes to societal injustices. What do you meen by that?
**Claudia de Breij:** often, marginalized groups are the first to experience the negative consequences of policies or societal shifts. We can serve as a warning sign, highlighting issues that may eventually affect everyone. It’s vital to listen to these voices and take action to create a more just and equitable society for all.
**Archyde:** Despite progress,you’ve expressed concern that coming out is becoming more difficult,particularly for young people. Why do you think that is?
**Claudia de Breij:** It’s disheartening to see a rise in intolerance and hostility towards LGBTQIA+ individuals. The backlash against progress is real, and it creates a climate of fear and uncertainty, particularly for young people who are still forming their identities.
**Archyde:** What message would you offer to young people who might potentially be struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity?
**claudia de Breij:** Remember that you are valid, you are loved, and you deserve to live authentically. Surround yourself with supportive people and seek out resources that can help you navigate this journey. Don’t be afraid to be your true self.
**Archyde:** Do you think society is moving in the right direction when it comes to LGBTQIA+ acceptance? What role can individuals play in creating positive change?
**Claudia de Breij:** While there have been significant strides, we still have a long way to go. It’s crucial for everyone to actively challenge prejudice and discrimination,speak out against injustice,and create inclusive spaces where everyone feels safe and respected.
**Archyde:**
This is a complex and multifaceted issue. What are your experiences and observations regarding the role of religious institutions in LGBTQIA+ acceptance? Do you believe faith and acceptance can coexist? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this sensitive topic.
## The Gift of Being Myself: An Interview with Claudia de Breij
**Archyde:** Claudia, you’ve spoken candidly about the privilege you feel to live openly as a lesbian woman. Can you elaborate on what that means to you?
**Claudia de Breij:** It truly feels like a gift. I can’t imagine a time when I couldn’t be myself openly and honestly. It’s a blessing I don’t take for granted, especially when I see the struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals around the world. Knowing that I can express my love freely, marry the woman I love, and live without fear of persecution is somthing I cherish deeply. [[1]]
**Archyde:** your work as a UNICEF ambassador takes you to different parts of the world, exposing you to diverse cultures and realities. How have these experiences shaped your viewpoint on LGBTQIA+ rights?
**Claudia de Breij:** It’s been eye-opening, to say the least. Witnessing firsthand the lack of basic human rights for LGBTQIA+ individuals in certain countries is heartbreaking. It highlights how much work still needs to be done to achieve global equality. The fact that I can be married to a woman here in [Country], while in Russia the LGBTQIA+ community is classified as a terrorist organization, is a stark reminder of the uneven progress we’ve made. [[1]]
**Archyde:** You’ve mentioned feeling like “the canary in the coal mine” when it comes to societal injustices.Can you explain what you mean by that?
**Claudia de Breij:** As a member of a minority group, I often find myself experiencing the consequences of prejudice and discrimination first. It’s a heavy burden to bear, but also a responsibility. I believe sharing my experiences can raise awareness and encourage others to stand up for what’s right. Being a visible advocate is crucial, even if it’s uncomfortable at times. [[1]]
**Archyde:** Despite the progress made in recent years, you’ve expressed concern about the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, notably young people. Why do you think coming out remains tough for many, even in seemingly progressive societies?
**Claudia de Breij:** It’s disheartening that young people are still struggling to embrace their identities. I had hoped that by now,things would be easier for them. But unfortunately, we’re seeing a backlash in certain circles, and the pressure to conform can be immense. It’s crucial to foster environments where young people feel safe to be themselves without fear of judgment or rejection. [[1]]
