On May 17, the #ACLU unveiled the Freedom to Be monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., a powerful tribute to #transgender joy and resilience amid the rising tide of anti-trans legislation. Inspired by the legacy of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, displayed in 1987, the installation not only combats the scape-goating of this community but also honors the stories of trans people nationwide.
#freedomtobe
Pride Walk – Roze Maandag, Tilburg Kermis (Final Part)
“The Right to Shine”
Yesterday was unforgettable. Not just because of the color, the heat (28°C by the end!), or the crowd — but because of the feeling. For a moment, the noise of the world faded: no wars, no greed, no oppression. Just people being themselves. Free, radiant, proud.
These final images are my favorites, because they capture what this walk is really about — the right to be the best version of yourself. Whether you're loud or quiet, glittering or grounded, Pride celebrates the spectrum of humanity in all its vibrant truth.
Love was in the air — and with it came a flicker of hope. Hope that we can build a future where equality, science, sustainability, and kindness are the foundations of our society. A world where everyone shines, not just a few.
As a humble photographer, I’m honored to reflect that light. Let’s not let this be just a dream. Let’s walk forward together — for each other, for nature, for justice.
With love,
Maikel de Bakker
📸 Just here to help you shine.
#pridewalk2025 #rozemaandag #tilburgsekermis #lgbtqia #freedomtobe #shinebright #bornthisway #righttobeyou #celebratediversity #equalrights #sustainabilitynow #photowithpurpose #canon5dmarkiii #sigma100400 #hopeforhumanity #inclusionforall #loveiseverything #communitymatters #documentingtruth #peaceandpride #tilburgpride #togetherforchange #supportallidentities #proudphotographer #fromtheheart #humanityfirst #diversitymatters #scienceandhope #standupforlove #maikeldebakker
“The Right to Shine”
Yesterday was unforgettable. Not just because of the color, the heat (28°C by the end!), or the crowd — but because of the feeling. For a moment, the noise of the world faded: no wars, no greed, no oppression. Just people being themselves. Free, radiant, proud.
These final images are my favorites, because they capture what this walk is really about — the right to be the best version of yourself. Whether you're loud or quiet, glittering or grounded, Pride celebrates the spectrum of humanity in all its vibrant truth.
Love was in the air — and with it came a flicker of hope. Hope that we can build a future where equality, science, sustainability, and kindness are the foundations of our society. A world where everyone shines, not just a few.
As a humble photographer, I’m honored to reflect that light. Let’s not let this be just a dream. Let’s walk forward together — for each other, for nature, for justice.
With love,
Maikel de Bakker
📸 Just here to help you shine.
#pridewalk2025 #rozemaandag #tilburgsekermis #lgbtqia #freedomtobe #shinebright #bornthisway #righttobeyou #celebratediversity #equalrights #sustainabilitynow #photowithpurpose #canon5dmarkiii #sigma100400 #hopeforhumanity #inclusionforall #loveiseverything #communitymatters #documentingtruth #peaceandpride #tilburgpride #togetherforchange #supportallidentities #proudphotographer #fromtheheart #humanityfirst #diversitymatters #scienceandhope #standupforlove #maikeldebakker
Pride Walk – Roze Maandag, Tilburg Kermis (Part 4)
“Born This Way”
In a world where being yourself isn’t always safe, accepted, or even allowed, Pride Walks like this one matter more than ever. They offer visibility, solidarity, and celebration to those whose identities are often silenced.
I’m proud to live in a country where we embrace the beauty of diversity — where no matter your skin color, body type, religion, or heritage, your identity deserves respect and joy. Pride is not just for the LGBTQIA+ community; it is for everyone who believes in freedom of expression and equality. Even if you’re straight — you’re welcome to walk, support, learn, and celebrate. That’s how we build inclusive societies: together.
The portraits in this post — taken with my Canon 5D Mark III and Sigma 100–400mm lens — capture just a few of the powerful, beautiful individuals who walked with pride, dignity, and color. The wide shots, from my Canon 7D Mark II and 15–85mm lens, show just how many hearts and banners filled the streets. And yes, the city was awash in pink — and it was perfect.
Because no one should ever have to hide who they are.
#bornthisway #pridewalk2025 #rozemaandag #tilburgsekermis #inclusionmatters #canon5dmarkiii #sigma100400 #canon7dmarkii #diversityisbeautiful #prideforeveryone #lgbtqia #identitymatters #freedomtobe #equalityforall #celebratediversity #photodocumentary #queervisibility #supportallidentities #communitysupport #dutchpride #intersectionalpride #standwithpride #tilburgcity #loveisfree #humanrightsforall #fromtheheart #belongingmatters #inclusivesociety #prideandpeace #allarewelcome #togetherwecelebrate
“Born This Way”
In a world where being yourself isn’t always safe, accepted, or even allowed, Pride Walks like this one matter more than ever. They offer visibility, solidarity, and celebration to those whose identities are often silenced.
I’m proud to live in a country where we embrace the beauty of diversity — where no matter your skin color, body type, religion, or heritage, your identity deserves respect and joy. Pride is not just for the LGBTQIA+ community; it is for everyone who believes in freedom of expression and equality. Even if you’re straight — you’re welcome to walk, support, learn, and celebrate. That’s how we build inclusive societies: together.
The portraits in this post — taken with my Canon 5D Mark III and Sigma 100–400mm lens — capture just a few of the powerful, beautiful individuals who walked with pride, dignity, and color. The wide shots, from my Canon 7D Mark II and 15–85mm lens, show just how many hearts and banners filled the streets. And yes, the city was awash in pink — and it was perfect.
Because no one should ever have to hide who they are.
#bornthisway #pridewalk2025 #rozemaandag #tilburgsekermis #inclusionmatters #canon5dmarkiii #sigma100400 #canon7dmarkii #diversityisbeautiful #prideforeveryone #lgbtqia #identitymatters #freedomtobe #equalityforall #celebratediversity #photodocumentary #queervisibility #supportallidentities #communitysupport #dutchpride #intersectionalpride #standwithpride #tilburgcity #loveisfree #humanrightsforall #fromtheheart #belongingmatters #inclusivesociety #prideandpeace #allarewelcome #togetherwecelebrate
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I missed this on May 17th
“Freedom To Be Monument”
YES!
Freedom is a core value in America
It was made up of 258 quilts created by more than 200 trans artists & families
It stands for the belief that Freedom. Is. A. Core. Value.
https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/763983/freedom-to-be-monument-trans-quilt/
#FreedomToBe
Reject the Boxes Society Tries to Squeeze You Into; Define Yourself. #BreakTheMold #DefineYourself #IndividualityMatters #SocietalNorms #BeYou #Authenticity #FreedomToBe #SelfDefinition
Happy womens day, the struggle contines!
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rspeur/52462909465/in/album-72177720303266102/" title="001 Kunstkrant sept.-okt. '22, advertentie De Nieuwe Vrouw"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52462909465_1ea34d7f30.jpg" width="328" height="500" alt="001 Kunstkrant sept.-okt. '22, advertentie De Nieuwe Vrouw"/></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>#internationalwomensday, #suffragettes, #emancipation, #freedomtobe, #womemsrights, #feminism
Gerade die #Anstalt vom 15.11. gesehen, Thema sind die Proteste im #iran , es ist einfach die mit Abstand beste #satiresendung die das deutsche Fernsehen zu bieten hat. Ich hatte am Ende einen Kloß im Hals. Und Tränen in den Augen.
#zdf #Iranstalt #freedomofspeech #freedomtobe
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