Judith – Pride Bonaire 2025

Feature Story Xp Bonaire IslandLife

Championing Equality and Pride on Bonaire

Judith Brekelmans is a powerful force for change and inclusion on the island of Bonaire. As the founder, board member, and director of EQ Bonaire, Judith has spent over a decade building safe spaces, visibility, and a support system for the LGBTQ+ community. Her work culminates every year during Pride Month with EQ Bonaire’s growing series of Pride events, again this June 2025. 

A Life Rooted in Diversity and Resilience

Judith's story begins with complexity and courage. Born in the Netherlands to a Curaçaoan father and a Dutch mother, she spent her early years as a foster child before being adopted at age 12. Her parents, whom she calls “a golden couple”—a feminist mother in high heels and a father in finance— gave her a deep foundation of love, support, and values.

As a biracial brown girl with curly hair growing up in a small, predominantly white Dutch village, Judith experienced discrimination early on. “It was very clear to me what exclusion felt like,” she recalls. Those formative experiences made her deeply aware of the injustices others face and solidified her lifelong stance: “Discrimination is not done.”

In her youth, she left home early, eager to carve her own path. “I thought I could handle it,” she says, laughing gently at her own youthful boldness. Along the way, Judith discovered her sexual orientation—bisexual and queer, drawn more to women—and found acceptance, but also witnessed how being different can mean facing extra obstacles in life.

From the Netherlands to the Caribbean

Professionally, Judith built a career in human resources, eventually founding her own company, TEAM, which specializes in coaching, recruiting, training, and guiding people, especially those who wish to return to the islands after studying abroad. “I love people,” she says. “I think I’m helpful and I have a healthy dose of empathy.”

In 2008, without a job waiting, but with a sense of homecoming, Judith relocated to Curaçao with her partner. After a few years on Curaçao, she received a call in late 2010 to consider a job opportunity with RCN HR on Bonaire.

“At first, I wasn’t sure,” she remembers. “But I came for the conversation—and it felt right.” She began working on the island in spring 2011, commuting at first, then moving permanently after her marriage ended. “Bonaire is like a village,” she reflects. “I grew up in one, so I felt comfortable here, though it was less multicultural than Curaçao. I hope that will change.”

Founding EQ Bonaire

Once settled, Judith quickly saw a need: LGBTQ+ people on Bonaire lacked a formal support network or space for visibility. In 2015, she founded EQ Bonaire, a name short for Equalizer, to change that.

EQ Bonaire provides both community care and public advocacy. It acts as a safe haven for queer individuals and as a platform for education, awareness, and political engagement. “I’m the face of EQ,” she says. “I stand beside the community, but I also believe strongly in allies. We need everyone to stand up for equality.”

EQ’s mission is clear: inclusion, connection, and acceptance. “Separation is not helpful,” Judith says. “Everyone is welcome. We want to embrace and support each other.”

She is also vocal about broader social issues, especially the neglect of people with disabilities on the island. “How we treat people with limitations here—it’s enough to make you cry. That’s where my drive comes from too.”

Pride Bonaire 2025: A Celebration of Love and Visibility

Now heading into its third official year, Pride Bonaire, organized by EQ, is set to bring color and compassion to the island this June. The 2025 theme is Amor (“Love”), and the events begin on June 15, running through June 22.

Despite the passion behind the events, EQ Bonaire still faces challenges. “We’ve never had structural sponsorship,” says Judith. The organization relies on RCN funding, support from local businesses, and one-time donations.

Judith’s dream? “Rainbows all over the island. That’s how we show support.”

By standing tall and staying true to her values, Judith is helping to reshape the cultural landscape of Bonaire—one rainbow at a time.

Supporting the Movement

If you want to support Judith’s work and EQ Bonaire’s mission to create a more inclusive and loving Bonaire, donations are welcome.

EQ Bonaire MCB Account:

MCB Bank Account Number: 410230.04

For the latest updates on Pride 2025 and other activities, follow EQ on social media:

Facebook: Pride Bonaire

Instagram: @bonairepride