"When I leave the stage, visitors are aware of their identity and they can compare their search with someone who has had a coming out." It is a promise that Hans does.

"I would appreciate it if people had talk about my talk the next day at the coffee machine." The entrepreneur is not shy although he thought he had no idea worth spreading for a long time. Until coach Loes Keijsers triggered him two years ago. "Whether it was nothing for me. That has made me think. "

Pink Saturday 
As organizer of Pink Saturday 2019 in Venlo, Hans has a story. Although it was not entirely intended that it would be that big but when his partner suggested Pink Saturday in 2019 to Venlo there was no stopping. "I get totally excited and it starts rolling."

Pink Saturday revolves around improvement in tolerance and awareness, acceptance and respect for the pink community. The message fits seamlessly into Hans' talk. "As an LGBTI member, you have to struggle to find your identity. After you have found identity, the battle continues. Partly by your environment, but also partly by yourself. "

Hard time
For example, Hans himself had a hard time to shower in the gym. "You are afraid that people see on the outside what your identity is. That they therefore prejudice you. You are afraid that people will not accept you for who you are."  

Figures show that there is more difficulty among low-skilled young people and that these people condemn this. “I have no problems personally but the figures show that Venlo has a low-skilled municipality and among the low-skilled youngsters the percentage has deteriorated (nationally) and in Venlo this percentage is even higher.”

TEDxVenlo 
All the more reason to break a lance for the LGBTI-community during TEDxVenlo. Besides being nice on his resume, Hans has more reasons to keep his story on that red dot in the Maaspoort. "TEDxVenlo is a good formula with a nice reach." That chat at the coffee machine the next morning must therefore be successful!

Want to know more about the event. Checke here