GINI's voices

Ep. 03 - Virginia: Embracing bicultural identity

Rooted in India, Suriname and the Netherlands

Episode 03

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Self-discovery is never a straightforward journey. In this episode of GINI’s voices, Virginia Scheele shares her deeply personal story of growing up in a small Dutch village, navigating societal biases, and uncovering the beauty of her Indian, Surinamese, and Dutch heritage. She reflects on how her experiences shaped her perspective on identity, belonging, and self-worth, offering lessons on resilience, self-acceptance, and the power of embracing every part of yourself.

Growing up in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen

Virginia’s story begins in Hoek, a small Dutch village in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. Growing up as one of the few people of colour in her community, she often felt different and struggled to find her place. Experiences of unconscious racism, from being undervalued in school to feeling excluded, left a lasting impression on her identity and self-worth. Despite achieving excellent academic results, Virginia’s potential was overlooked, and she was placed in a lower educational track, which meant she couldn’t pursue her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian.

Navigating love and self-worth

As Virginia grew older, she encountered challenges in romantic relationships, where societal biases about race and culture often played a role. These experiences, combined with feelings of rejection and objectification, impacted her sense of self-worth. However, they also encouraged her to reflect on how she viewed herself and to challenge the narratives she had internalised.

“Embracing my bicultural identity wasn’t about choosing between being Indian, Surinamese, or Dutch. It was about learning to embrace all of it—and realising that’s where my strength lies.”

Discovering heritage and identity

Virginia’s exploration of her Indian, Surinamese, and Dutch heritage became a turning point in her journey. Learning about the resilience of her ancestors and the complexities of her cultural background gave her a deeper understanding of herself. This process helped her realise that she didn’t have to choose between her identities—they could coexist as a source of strength and pride.

The power of community

Through connecting with communities of women and members of the African diaspora, Virginia found spaces where shared experiences fostered understanding and healing. These connections reinforced her belief in the power of community to help individuals navigate their identities and embrace their individuality.

A journey of self-acceptance

Virginia’s journey to self-acceptance hasn’t been linear, but each step has brought her closer to fully embracing who she is. By reflecting on her experiences, she hopes to inspire others to embrace their identities and see the strength in their unique stories.

Ep. 03: Embracing bicultural identity

Virginia Scheele

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