Princess Charming: “My sexuality is just a small part of me”

Hanna Sökeland follows in Irina Schlauch’s footsteps and is the second “Princess Charming” on TV looking for great love. In an interview, she reveals why the lesbian dating format is so important to her – and why she regrets making a decision.

The second season of “Princess Charming” started on June 14, 2022 on RTL +. This time Hanna Sökeland is looking for her dream woman. Of course, love is in the foreground, but for the 28-year-old project manager from Hanover it is also important to create visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community – and to provide education. The current “Princess Charming” season is already the most successful in the Charming cosmos after the start.

“Princess Charming” Hanna Sökeland: “I develop feelings quite quickly”

GALA: What made you want to take part in “Princess Charming”?

Hanna Sökeland: I watched the first season and thought it was really cool! When I saw that you could apply, I made a video with a friend and we sent it off. I didn’t have high hopes, but feedback came quickly. I had several auditions and was finally asked if I wanted to be the princess. I was surprised because I originally applied to be a participant. But I didn’t want to turn down the possibility.

Finding love on TV was definitely an unusual situation. What was the biggest challenge for you?

It’s incredibly difficult to make decisions, especially when emotions are involved. I had to use the time well to get to know people. I had to be very focused and observant to figure out who was right for me.

do you fall in love fast

I develop feelings for a person quite quickly when I realize that it could fit. But that also depends on whether the person opens up to me. But it can be quick. Mainly because I had to deal with the people on the show. I had no other choice. On a one-on-one date, I had the time to focus on one person. We didn’t have cell phones there either, nothing to distract us. We were on our own.

It’s a special way of getting to know someone. Unusual, but actually much nicer.

Hanna regrets this decision

Have you developed feelings for several people?

Yes, and it was always difficult to make the right decision. I had to think about how much time I have left with these people. Is it likely that this person might open up even more or not? It was often difficult for me to judge. In the end I had to listen to my heart.

Is there a decision you regret?

Yes, the very first. However, I would have regretted the decision with everyone because at the time I didn’t know any woman well enough to say: that’s it or that’s not it.

She wants to provide enlightenment

What does the format mean to you?

There are formats for heterosexual people, so why shouldn’t there be one for lesbians or gay people? It is also a very serious format in which a lot is explained. It’s important to have the opportunity to speak for yourself or what it’s like to come out. The women were all very open about these issues. That meant a lot to me because it gave us a lot of inspiration. This in turn leads to enlightenment.

How did your coming out come about?

I never had a real coming out. My friends and siblings already knew and accepted it. The only person who couldn’t handle it at first was my mother. She comes from Brazil and was brought up very Catholic.

Has your perspective changed?

It’s still not an issue we’re talking about openly. But when I have a girlfriend, my mother accepts her as the woman by my side.

Have you often been confronted with stereotypes and discrimination?

I don’t like being reduced to my sexuality. A few years ago, when I was at a party with my then-girlfriend and we kissed, a guy suddenly came up and asked if he could take part.

How do you react in such situations?

Of course that makes me angry. There is no one right reaction. But the most important thing is to educate people and show them that it is something completely normal and that they should accept and respect it as such.

Hanna is much more than her sexual orientation

What do you think needs to change in our society?

People should generally stop putting people in any drawers. Also, the focus should not be on sexual orientation. I am an individual and have many traits and characteristics, my sexuality is only a small part of it. All of this together makes me Hanna.

I don’t just want to be labeled as a lesbian.

What are you taking away from the season?

Experiences, feelings, memories and friendships – actually everything. (laughs) It was just very intense. It was emotional and I connected with a lot of people, an incredibly beautiful experience.

So friendships developed. But did you fall in love?

Who knows? You will see that in the episodes. (laughs)

This interview previously appeared on Gala.de

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