Riccardo Simonetti: “Diversity has to take place behind the camera”

Riccardo Simonetti
“Diversity must also take place behind the camera”

© Thomas Niedermueller / Getty Images

Riccardo Simonetti has become an integral part of the German media landscape. As a queer entertainer, he not only exudes diversity and diversity, but is also committed to it. We met him for an interview during the “GALA Diversity Week”.

Riccardo Simonetti is first and foremost an entertainer. But the 28-year-old has a lot more to offer: for example, model, book author, activist and TV star. The all-rounder likes to step out of line at his appearances and with his unconventional looks sets an example for more diversity and diversity in the German media landscape.

Simonetti makes no secret of his sexual orientation. And even more: with his initiative and as an LGBTQIA * special ambassador for the EU Parliament, he is committed to the queer community. In an interview, he reveals that he has had experience of discrimination himself and why diversity is also important behind the TV scenes.

GALA: Mr. Simonetti, you usually deviate from the norm when you perform. Why is this important to you?
Riccardo Simonetti: It’s all about visibility. When I turned on the television or flipped through magazines in my youth, I never saw my form of masculinity represented. I thought I could be trans for a long time because I was told that what I was wasn’t masculine. It took me years to understand that I can also have a feminine side as a man. Many people struggle with their identity. For this reason it is important to see a diversity of different people represented in the media. I like to talk about these topics and try to sensitize others to what discrimination does to people.

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Do you have also have to experience discrimination?
Unfortunately yes! When I was 21, I applied to television. The broadcaster invited me to an interview and said that I was by far the best applicant. I would have a good sense and talent. When asked who my role model was, I replied: Thomas Gottschalk. Because he manages to gather the whole family in front of the television. The chief of broadcasting replied at the time that unfortunately I couldn’t be because I’m gay. Ultimately, they picked a worse candidate who wasn’t marginalized. At that moment my dream fell through.

But you did it! Do you think minorities are more represented on television these days than ever?
I am grateful that diversity is an issue in society today and that people are actively dealing with it, but that is not enough. Of course, there are more diverse characters in films and series who have a different skin color, gender identity or sexual orientation. But these mostly have supporting roles or have less interesting storylines.

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What do you think needs to change?
I believe that diversity must also take place behind the camera. There’s no point if a series is only played and produced by heteronormative people. You also need queer people or people of color behind the scenes who have an eye on history. Because this is often told through white, heteronormative glasses. In order to represent reality, people must be included who differ from the norm in some way.

Source used: own interview

Gala