Melody Raymann is a buddy through De Regenboog Groep's LGBTQ+ buddy program. That she enjoys helping others is something she inherited from home. Her father Jörgen Raymann has a ribbon for a reason. "I was always taught that when things are going well for you, you have to give something back to society."
"During my coming-out my parents were very supportive, but I come from Suriname and there it is more difficult to come out for your orientation. That's why I became a buddy at De Regenboog. I can so well imagine that you want to be able to leave with someone. The first buddy I had was from Uganda, and now I'm accompanying a girl from Syria. In both countries you get the death penalty as a non-hetero. Unbelievable!
As buddies, we see each other once every two weeks. That's pretty much the bare minimum you can do as a human being. We drink coffee together or walk around town. I introduced my buddy from Uganda to a queer bar where many people come from similar backgrounds. Sometimes I would like to do more, because I was always taught from home that when you are doing well, you should give something back to society. But my two buddies so far, just talking is already very nice.
We have the most fun conversations
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My Syrian buddy never had any friends, she told me. Because she couldn't really talk to anyone. She said, "If you can't be completely yourself, you can't have good friendships. Now, with me, she can share small and big things. We have the best conversations. Conversely, I learn things about other cultures. And most of all, I learn that we have so much in common. We are all human. Sisters. I wish everyone could see this."
Becoming an LGBTQ+ buddy too?
We are looking hardest for lesbian and transgender buddies. Mail: lhbtiq@deregenboog.org if you have any questions.
Read more about the LHBTIQ+-Buddy Program or sign up .."