For those who don’t know Queer Beer yet: how would you briefly describe who you are and what the brand stands for?

Sebastiaan: “Queer Beer is more than just a beer. It’s a brand that celebrates visibility and representation. We brew bold, flavorful beers with a message. We stand for freedom, inclusion, and guts. Our beers spark conversations that matter, from the pub to the kitchen table.”

What would you like to change about the beer industry?

Sebastiaan: “The beer world has been the same for a long time, full of clichés and with little space for anyone who doesn’t fit the mold. We want to change that by making space for different stories and faces. Beer belongs to everyone, so let’s show that, on the labels, behind the bar, and in the boardroom.”

What does Queer Beer mean to you personally?

Sebastiaan: “It’s my way of combining creativity, entrepreneurship, and activism. I believe brands can have real impact when they dare to stand for something. Queer Beer is personal it reflects who I am and what I believe in.”

What gives you the most energy in your work?

Sebastiaan: “The reactions from people. When someone says they feel seen because of a can of Lesbier, or they burst out laughing at the name IPGay, that’s when I know it works. That, and the creative freedom to keep inventing, building campaigns, and creating collaborations that really spark something. And the fact that beer, something so everyday, can actually create real impact, that means everything.”

Can you tell us how the idea for Lesbier, IPGay and Queer Beer came to life?

Sebastiaan: “We started with Queer Beer (our flagship) with a clear mission. Lesbier came next. It’s a pun, yes, but also an ode to women, who I think deserve more space in the beer world. And now we’ve just launched IPGay, because humor and visibility can absolutely go hand in hand.”

How would you describe the taste of Queer Beer to someone who’s never tried it?

Sebastiaan: “Fresh, tropical, with a slight kick. Like a good summer evening with friends who challenge you and still feel like home. It’s a wheat beer with mango and Szechuan pepper playful, but not silly.”

How do you want to expand the Queer Beer line in the future? Any new flavors or concepts in the works?

Sebastiaan: “We have tons of ideas. A winter beer is coming, because yes, we do live in the Netherlands after all. And we’re exploring a 0.0 or non-alcoholic version of Queer Beer as well.”

Is there a queer role model who inspired you in building the brand?

Sebastiaan: “So many, but if I had to name one: my dad. Maybe not the first queer role model you'd expect, but to me, he is. He’s brave, kind, and never gives up. Even with Parkinson’s, he stays positive and involved. Whenever I hit a tough moment, whether in business or life, I think of his resilience. That strength drives everything I do, including Queer Beer. Being visible, being yourself, and going all-in, that’s what he stands for too.”

What do you see in the future of Queer Beer?

Sebastiaan: “Growth, but on our own terms. I want people to be able to order Queer Beer at their favorite bar, but I also want it to remain a platform. For the queer community, for artists, for stories. We’re not growing to be bigger, we’re growing to have more impact.”

What’s a “mistake” you’ve made that turned out to be a valuable lesson?

Sebastiaan: “Trusting people who talked the talk, but didn’t deliver. I’ve learned not everyone who claims to support your mission actually does. Since then, I prefer working with people who are genuinely invested.”

How do you decide which organizations or events to collaborate with? Is there a Queer Beer philosophy behind that?

Sebastiaan: “We don’t say yes to everything. If it’s just for show, we don’t do it. There has to be a real connection. We don’t want to be a rainbow sticker, we want to add something real. So sometimes we say no, even if it seems commercially smart. We’d rather sponsor marginalized groups or work with bars that truly want to make an impact, right there at the counter.”

What would you say to someone who thinks: “Come on, it’s just a beer”?

Sebastiaan: “I’d say: take another look. Ask yourself why a beer with a bold name makes you uncomfortable. Why you find it strange to see the word “queer” on a label. And most of all: stay open. Because if a beer is already too much, what does that say about everything else?”

What’s been the most special moment for you with Queer Beer so far?

Sebastiaan: “Definitely the first bar that decided to serve Queer Beer. When someone outside your own circle says, “This fits us, we want to serve this,” it’s a real breakthrough. Not just for the product, but for the message behind it.

Believing in your own idea is one thing, but when a business owner says: we want to support this, be part of this story, that’s when you feel this is bigger than a can of beer. That trust gave us such a boost. It felt like we were truly setting something in motion.”

Will we see Queer Beer during the upcoming Pride Week?

Sebastiaan: “Absolutely. We’ll be at several locations, including our own stand along the canal and at a few bars on the route. Plus, a new campaign is launching with IPGAY on the way, so trust me, you won’t miss us.”

What events during Amsterdam Pride do you think people absolutely shouldn’t miss?

Sebastiaan: “Everyone knows the big canal parade by now, but the smaller, activist events are where you really feel the heart of Pride. The Pride Walk, for instance, a powerful reminder of why visibility still matters, or the gatherings and memorials at the Homomonument.

Also, the grassroots events organized by locals are pure gold. From art projects to KinderPride, from Pride Oost to community initiatives in Nieuw-West, that’s where you experience the real energy of a city creating Pride from within, not just consuming it.”