Radiant Voices interview with Glenny Sijlbing, retired Artist
Glenny’s story holds profound truths about the pain of invisibility, the joy of being seen, and the ease that comes with belonging.
This was a very special interview for me. I wanted to honour a powerful story Glenny shared with me years ago — a story of becoming, of being recognised, and of claiming identity. It’s a story that speaks to all of us. And it’s especially powerful coming from an immigrant Black Woman.
Three moments landed deeply for me:
First, the physical pain of being denied existence:
“You’re not a Black Woman.”
The mental confusion that follows — “Does not compute, does not make sense” — is familiar to me. But the physical pain Glenny describes is not. As a white-bodied person, I can’t fully know it, but I believe it. And I honour the truth of that pain — for her, and for all whose identities have been denied.
Second, the sky-lifting joy of being affirmed:
“Let nobody tell you you are not a Black Woman.”
In Glenny’s story, those words are showstoppers. That moment is pivotal, visceral. It brings clarity, relief, and rootedness. What a gift it is to be seen and claimed.
Third, the consequent ease of showing up with people who you see as like yourself.
When we are affirmed — when we’re content and trusting in ourselves — there’s nothing to fear from others who share something of our identity. There’s space to be fully yourself and still be part of something larger. To hold both sameness and difference with curiosity and care. That kind of community is a profound gift — one born not from fitting in, but from being fully seen.
✨ Please take the time to hear this story in Glenny’s own voice.
There’s a depth in her voice that carries more than words — something lived, felt, and unforgettable.
Don’t miss it.
For a Curious Mind: Notice what thoughts and judgments arise as you listen to this interview. What else would you like to know?
For a Connected Heart: Notice what feelings follow each other as Glenny’s story unfolds.
For a Creative Body: Dance it? Matthaus Passion BWV244 Pt2 – J.S.Bach
How I became a Black Woman
She didn’t expect one moment of truth from an African American mentor to redefine her identity—and her future.
“ I said listen, I don’t think I belong here because I’m not really Black. I’m very much adapted to the Dutch culture. And then he raised his finger to me and said, “Let no one, but really no one, ever tell you that you’re not Black because you are a Black Woman.” And I still get tears in my eyes when I talk about this. It was really the moment that I became a Black Woman”
When Glenny Sillbing heard those words, everything shifted. Assimilated into Dutch culture and long disconnected from her roots, this is the story of how she became a Black Woman. In this tender and powerful episode, retired artist and diversity advocate Glenny Sillbing joins host Rachael Skying to explore the complex layers of cultural identity, systemic racism, and belonging. This conversation is a gentle yet powerful reminder that identity is not just inherited—it’s claimed.
Glimmers*
Reflection resources to support your embodied transformation story:
- AuDHD LOVE MOVES US: Can you dance with this? Guided reflection and dance practice to reconnect you with the seed of who you are.
- One step towards the universe: Show up with others heading independently in the same direction. Where your presence is valued and respected.
- Becoming the star: Commit to exploring who you are beyond doubt inside my 1:1 embodiment coaching program. Enrolling now.
Invitation to wonder: As you listen to Glenny’s story, I invite you to become aware of the intriguing parallels between her story and yours.
Is there a subtle invitation here for you?
What song does it call to mind?
Could you play and dance it?
Encouragement for Sensitive Souls:
🌿If Glenny’s story feels big or far from your own, that’s okay.
You don’t have to relate to every part to receive something meaningful.
Let her courage be a soft invitation
—not a demand—
to honor your own becoming, in whatever way feels kind and true for you.
💫
or listen, comment and follow on Spotify podcasts
Affirmation for radiant women
Many women with AuDHD in their lives love to explore deeply, reflect honestly, and connect meaningfully.
They are conditioned to adapt, mask, and make others comfortable—
Which undermines our ability to trust our inner knowing and claim our full selves.
Remember, you can belong without proving. You can root without permission.
I trust you to find your own rhythm of becoming—at your pace, in your way.
Listening to Radiant Voices, you’ll find stories like Glenny’s—
raw, resonant, and real
Draft Notes on heading into the unknown
Your insights about the pain of being invisible, the joy of being seen and welcomed and the consequent ease of showing up with people who you see as like yourself are so valuable.
This was a very special interview for me because i wanted to honour the powerful story that Glenny shared with me some years ago. The story of becoming, being recognised for who you are is profound and powerful for all of us to hear. Especially when that story is from an Immigrant Black Woman.
Three moments in this interview landed powerfully for me:
First, the physical pain of being denied existence. “You’re not a Black Woman”
Mentally, there is deep confusion at this statement, which is something I am familiar with.
Does not compute, does not make sense.
But the physical pain which Glenny reports is outside my experience, as a white bodied person.
And yet it is a real lived experience that she shares.
I want to acknowledge the truth and reality of that physical pain.
For her, and for all people whose existence has been denied.
Second, the sky lifting joy of being seen and affirmed “Let nobody tell you you are not a Black Woman”
This embrace creates a real place and space and makes sense.
Solution to the confusion.
Ease of the pain.
What a gift.
A goosebumps moment still.
Third, the consequent ease of showing up with people who you see as like yourself.
This makes complete sense in hindsight, but also unexpected outcome before the recognition.
A reminder that community is the greatest gift of claiming identity.
when we are affirmed, content and trusting in ourselves, there is no longer anything to fear from others like us. It is possible to be yourself and be part of a larger group, to hold both similarities and differences with curiosity and care.
