Pride 365 with Robbert

What does Pride mean to you?

It's about loving and embracing yourself completely. Many of us, from a young age, get bullied at school for our differences. That way you are being taught from a very impressionable young age, that the way you are is wrong. Which is of course not true. There are more than seven billion people, so yes, of course there's going to be some variety, but that's what makes us so great! Pride to me is showcasing yourself, in any way that you may be different... and to be proud of it. But also being proud of others and accepting and embracing them for who they are as well.

What were important key moments in your life that brought you to where you are today?

That's a loaded question. I suppose all the really good stuff, but the really bad stuff as well. It all shapes you into who you are right now. Also, I know there's still a bit of a stigma around it: but therapy is something I would recommend to everyone who values their mental health, and wants to truly understand themselves. It has helped me a lot, and still does.

What advice would you give to your 16-y old self?

You're going to hear a lot of nasty things and words that'll change the voices in your head, and your opinion of yourself. But don't let their words, or the voices in your head get you down. Push aside that focus of getting somewhere just to proof something to others who don't matter. Look around you, and see that no matter where life takes you, there are always people who love you and accept you for exactly who you are, even when you find it hard at times to accept yourself. In the end, that's what matters. 

Name one hit we can expect from your Pride Ride?

For sure it will contain a Spice Girls-song! I had so much fun reliving my childhood during the anniversary rides with their music, there was so much joy in the air!