Ashwari Akloe, a 25-year-old graduate in animal sciences, reflects on her experiences growing up as a Surinamese immigrant in the Netherlands, embracing her Hindustani roots, and finding her place as an activist. She emphasizes the importance of internal liberation and the acceptance of diverse identities.

Akloe, born in Suriname and raised in the Netherlands from the age of 10, describes the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and overcoming feelings of being different. She recalls being self-conscious about her Surinamese accent and Hindustani heritage but now embraces her roots and identity.

Akloe’s activism stems from her empathy for animals, nature, and marginalized groups. She participated in student protests for Palestine and demonstrations against fascism and racism, but seeks more sustainable ways to combat injustice.

Having graduated in Animal Sciences, Akloe spent three months in Kenya researching human-wildlife conflict. She aspires to work in conservation in Africa or Asia, while maintaining the Netherlands as her home base.

Akloe is currently reading a poetry collection by Rabindranath Tagore and enjoys photography and spending time with friends. A tattoo on her arm, a quote from Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song,” reflects her belief that true freedom comes from within.

As a queer person of color from a migrant family, Akloe acknowledges the challenges of accepting her identity. She emphasizes the need for more representation and understanding of diverse queer experiences within migrant communities. She also shares that she had a three-year relationship that helped her parents normalize her identity.