Meet Marijke

A Lamalama, Binthi Warra, Bulgun Warra gender and sexuality diverse woman from the Cape York Peninsula, Marijke has firsthand experience of the multidimensional discrimination Cape York First Nations LGBTQIA+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy peoples face both within, and outside, their Cape York communities. These personal experiences sparked a deep curiosity in cultural understandings, practices and rituals around First Nations gender and sexuality diversity—in particular, how the harmful legacy of white colonial heteropatriarchy impacted this. Marijke’s interest later developed into a passion to elevate and protect the rights and voices of First Nations gender and sexuality diverse peoples from across the globe.

Now a highly accomplished multilingual international Human Rights Lawyer, Scholar, Advocate and Creative—specialising in International law, Discrimination and Human rights concerning Indigeneity, race, gender, sexuality and cultural heritage—Marijke is committed to empowering LGBTQIA+ members of Indigenous Peoples to stand proudly in the fullness of their rich vibrant cultural complexity.

Marijke’s unique lived experience of navigating and walking in two worlds is reflected in her remarkable way of being an Artist and First Nations LGBTQIA+ woman in contemporary society. Guided by wawu (soul/inner core/life force), Marijke’s photographs reflect her virtuoso technique, consummate craftmanship and dynamic engagement with First Nations LGBTQIA+ members of Cape York communities. It is this inimitable skillset that allows Marijke to paint a culturally intimate, sensitive and colourful picture of true respectful partnership between Artist and Sitter.