By Queer we mean anyone who does not identify as heterosexual, and/or does not agree with traditional gender roles.

With Sober we mean alcohol-free in the broadest sense of the word. At Queer & Sober it doesn't matter why you don't drink. Anyone who is queer and alcohol-free, or who is queer and interested in an alcohol-free lifestyle is welcome. It is important that all our events are free of alcohol and drugs.

Hi! My name is Jeroen (He/Him)and within the Q&S Club I am te chairman. I'm 34 years old and live in Amsterdam. After my weekends got more and more out of hand and I lost myself in the party scene, I decided to stop drinking over 3 years ago. For some time now I have been helping gay men who want to stop drinking and want to be themselves out of self-confidence. During the conversations i had it became clear that many people in the queer community who are alcohol-free missed connection whitin our community. During the Pride in 2022, the idea arose to set up Queer & Sober and a few months later Queer & Sober became reality together with Sander and Sjoerd.

Greets Jeroen, Sober Coach, jeroen@queerandsober.org

My name is Sjoerd and within the Q&S Club I am the treasurer. This means I will keep an eye on the finances. I am happy to contribute to the foundation because I really think it is important that people have a place to connect without feeling pressure to use substances. As for myself, I strive towards an alcohol free life. However, for me this is a process. A year ago I drank alcohol almost every day, and my whole social life was built around alcohol. Over the past year I changed that, now I only drink on very special occasions (and no, a date is not special enough…). I am really excited to expand my network and make new friends with people that do not drink. If you want to organize an event but you are not sure if there is funding, do not hesitate to contact me!

Greets Sjoerd, Psychologist, sjoerd@queerandsober.org

Hi I'm Sander (He/Him) and within the Q&S Club I'm secretary. After about 20 years of daily drinking to avoid stress, insecurity and feelings of loneliness I decided to stop drinking. Through intensive treatment in an addiction clinic, I have been sober for 4.5 years now. Especially at the beginning of my process, I missed connection in my own community, which sometimes made me feel quite lonely and misunderstood. On one hand from the Sober straight community where I didn't feel completely at home as a gay person, on the other hand from the queer community where I didn't feel completely at home with my sober life choice. Despite the fact that I found my way in this, I saw Jeroen's call as an opportunity to do something about this together. With here the proud result, Queer & Sober!

Greets Sander, Counselor, sander@queerandsober.org