Kelly

Director: June Te Spenke
Release Year: 2023

In 2023, the world was introduced to the intimate and emotional story of Kelly van der Veer through the documentary Kelly, directed by June Te Spenke and produced by Amazon Prime. This poignant film traces Kelly’s life from her emergence as one of the first openly transgender women to appear on mainstream Dutch television to the difficulties and triumphs she encountered along the way.

 

Over the years, Kelly’s name became synonymous with resilience, controversy, and a fearless pursuit of self-identity, making her one of the most significant figures in the Dutch transgender community. However, her life has also been marked by tragedy, struggle, and an ongoing battle to be understood and accepted in the media. Kelly's journey began in 1980, when she was born as Ferry van der Veer in Hilversum, the Netherlands. Growing up in a loving and supportive family, Kelly developed an early interest in the arts, particularly music. Her participation in the Dutch children's choir Kinderen voor Kinderen, where she was featured in several albums between seasons 12 and 15, marked her first taste of public recognition. However, it was her victory in the 1997 TV competition De Travestieshow that truly thrust her into the public eye. This program, which celebrated drag queens and transgender individuals, was a stepping stone that set the stage for her groundbreaking appearance on Big Brother 3 in 2001. 

 

The 2001 season of Big Brother was a turning point in Kelly's life. When she entered the reality TV house, Kelly made history as the first openly transgender woman to participate in the Dutch version of the show. Her decision to share her gender identity with the public was a bold and controversial move, as it challenged societal norms and prejudices. While Kelly garnered support from a segment of the population who admired her courage and authenticity, she also faced significant backlash from others who held prejudiced views. The public scrutiny and the negative remarks made about her on national television were a painful reminder of the hurdles transgender individuals often face in the mainstream media. Despite the challenges, Kelly's time on Big Brother was transformative. She made it to the final rounds of the competition, finishing in seventh place. Her appearance on the show sparked national conversations about gender identity and the acceptance of transgender individuals, marking a major step in the ongoing fight for transgender visibility in the media. Though she didn’t win the prize money, Kelly emerged as a trailblazer, not just in reality TV but in the broader conversation surrounding transgender issues in the Netherlands. 

 

Following her Big Brother appearance, Kelly’s presence in Dutch media remained prominent. She appeared in a variety of TV programs, including Het Groot Nationaal Verkeersexamen, Patty’s Fort, and De Nationale IQ Test. She also became a regular guest on the talk show JENSEN!, where she even had her own segment, Gewoon Kel. However, despite her continued media appearances, Kelly's career didn’t achieve the level of commercial success that many had expected. Her attempts to break into the music industry, including releasing singles, did not result in widespread popularity. Still, Kelly's career was far from stagnant. She ventured into reality television again in 2006, participating in Dancing on Ice and Hotel Big Brother. 

 

That same year, she co-wrote an autobiography with fellow Big Brother contestant Andries de Jong, entitled Kelly. In this candid and heartfelt book, Kelly shared the intimate details of her life, her struggles, her transition, and her ongoing efforts to create a foundation to support transgender individuals. Her book resonated deeply with many, especially those in the transgender community, as it gave an honest and empowering account of what it means to navigate life as a transgender woman in the public eye. However, despite her fame and the many positive aspects of her life, Kelly faced personal challenges that would shape the course of her future. Her rise to fame was followed by a period of heavy media scrutiny, which took a toll on her mental health. Over time, the constant public attention led to addiction, and she became involved in sex work. Though the stigma surrounding sex work often results in judgment, Kelly openly discussed her decision to enter the industry, describing it as a path to empowerment rather than exploitation. She spoke about finding comfort in her work, emphasizing the importance of personal autonomy and the need for society to recognize the dignity of those involved in sex work. 

 

The documentary Kelly released in 2023, sheds new light on Kelly's journey, offering a candid and deeply personal look at her life. Directed by June Te Spenke, the film chronicles Kelly's transformation over the years, with a focus on her career, the struggles she faced in the media, and the ways in which she navigated her identity. The documentary provides an intimate glimpse into Kelly’s past, her family dynamics, and the emotional toll that public life took on her. It also highlights the support she received from her family and friends, who stood by her through thick and thin. 

 

A significant part of the documentary is devoted to the impact Kelly had on other prominent transgender figures, such as Nikkie Tutorials. These influencers express how Kelly’s bravery in the public eye paved the way for their own careers and the broader acceptance of transgender individuals in the mainstream. For many, Kelly remains an important figure who contributed to the normalization of transgender identity in the media and the fight for greater visibility and rights. The documentary also gives viewers a closer look at Kelly’s current life, which includes her ongoing work in the sex industry. It addresses the complexities of her career choice and highlights how she continues to advocate for the rights of transgender people, particularly those who are marginalized and face societal discrimination. Through this film, Kelly reaffirms her commitment to speaking out for the transgender community, emphasizing the importance of acceptance, understanding, and support for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. 

 

Although Kelly’s television appearances have become less frequent in recent years, her impact remains significant. Her advocacy work, particularly in raising awareness about transgender rights and visibility, continues to inspire those who follow her journey. She is a vocal supporter of the transgender community, pushing for greater understanding and acceptance in both the media and society at large. In 2024, Kelly participated in the reality show Echte Meisjes in de Jungle (Real Girls in the Jungle), a survival-style program, where she once again showcased her resilience and determination. This participation demonstrates that despite the challenges she has faced, Kelly continues to evolve and contribute to the entertainment industry, proving that her story is far from over. Kelly van der Veer’s life is a testament to perseverance, authenticity, and the importance of self-discovery. Her experiences, both the triumphs and the struggles, are woven into the fabric of her legacy, making her one of the most important figures in the Dutch transgender community. Through her advocacy, her public speaking, and her unwavering commitment to living authentically, Kelly continues to inspire and empower others, leaving a lasting impact on those who follow in her footsteps.

 

via: youtube

wikipedia

Image credits: YouTube