‘One time we organise a movie afternoon, the next we’re working with polymer clay or going to the Efteling together. Every meeting is different, but it’s always fun and enjoyable. It’s a bit like scouting, but for LGBTQIA+ youth.’ Anne Henssen talks about Jong & Out, the organisation she was part of as a teenager and where she now volunteers to guide young people. She does this alongside her job as a Quality Improvement Engineer at Quooker. ‘This means I work daily on analysing and improving processes in the factory to enhance the quality of our products.

Because I studied Integrated Product Design, I look at the products we make through a designer’s lens. In my current role, that’s helpful because it allows me to easily bridge the gap between the Quality department and Research & Development.’ Her volunteer work has little to do with her job at Quooker, Anne explains. ‘That’s exactly why it works so well for me. I already spend forty hours a week focused on my profession. I see my Sundays at Jong & Out more as relaxation. That’s also because the other supervisors are my friends.’

Meeting new people Jong & Out is a national organisation set up by the COC, with a large network of meeting locations. Anne joined the community when she was about fourteen. ‘It meant a lot to me. I was struggling with myself and my identity and didn’t know many people going through the same thing. Jong & Out gave me a place where I could meet lots of new people in a safe and welcoming environment. Because it was so valuable to me, I think it’s important that young people today also have such a place. A place where they can talk about things if that’s not easy at home. But above all, Jong & Out is a place where they can be themselves without worry, make new friends and have fun. Everyone is welcome, including non-LGBTQIA+ people, as long as we treat each other with respect.’

Coming out of their shell Around twenty to sometimes thirty young people attend the Jong & Out afternoons. ‘You naturally build a bond with these kids,’ Anne says. ‘The more introverted children tend to gravitate towards me, because I’m quite calm by nature. It’s wonderful to see them come out of their shell. Especially for those who have a harder time at home, it’s very important that there is at least one place they truly enjoy going to. They don’t always express it directly, but their gratitude is tangible. I get a lot of energy from this volunteer work. Even though after a day out with twenty kids I can be completely exhausted, haha. And then back to work at Quooker the next morning! Fortunately, that also gives me a lot of energy.’

Can she fully be herself at Quooker? ‘Absolutely. Within the departments I work closely with, I’ve always felt accepted and never had the feeling that I needed to hide my sexual orientation.’

Published on 27-07-2026