SAM LIST
Would you like to discuss LGBTQIA+ related issues with someone? Do you just want to be heard by members of the SAM LIST?
Check our profiles and contact the person you felt the most connection with through the form below.
Keep in mind that SAM Support Team are non-professionals, but students who went through the similar experiences as you have. We offer conversation and connection, but in case you would like to get professional help (talk to student psychologist, study adviser) or in case of an emergency please contact the following link:
OUR TEAM
Name: Chloe van den Heuvel
Age: 34
Nationality: Dutch
Languages: Dutch/English
Gender: Female
Pronouns: she/her/hers/they
Sexual Orientation: Lesbian/Asexual/Demisexual
Talk to me about: Gender identity/sexuality
Hi, I’m Chloe. After doing my bachelor's degree in applied physics here at the TU/e I’m now doing my Masters in artificial intelligence and engineering systems. In my free time I like to build things, these days I mostly work with heat transfer vinyl and 3D printers; and to read and play some games. I initially came out as trans in 2017 and started my medical transition in 2019. Since then, I’ve been through most surgeries that are traditionally associated with transitioning, and I have grown and changed a lot as an individual. In those years I have also been involved with Compass in various roles for a few years from the board to committees. Now I’m mostly focusing on finishing up my studies. Having gone through my full transition during my studies I have experienced multiple study delays and difficulties following a normal study trajectory. If you experienced similar things or If you feel like talking can be of help, feel free to reach out.
Name: Tom Coenen
Age: 24
Nationality: Dutch
Languages: Dutch/English
Gender: Male
Pronouns: he/him/his
Sexual Orientation: Bisexual
Talk to me about: Sexual orientation, internal biphobia, Depression/Mental Health
Hi I’m Tom. I am a Psychology & Technology bachelor student at the TU/e. I knew in high school that I was bisexual but I did not want to be bisexual at first. I had internal prejudices about bisexuality, partly because of my Catholic background, which is why it took a long time before I was comfortable with who I am. I came out in 2019 to my friends and family.
During 2019-2022 I had a depression and struggled with my mental health. Now I'm feeling a lot better thanks to professional help and my mental health keeps improving.
I love to read books and spend much of my free time reading fiction. I also like learning languages, origami, and I’m a scout.
If you want to talk about Sexuality, Internalized (Bi)Phobia, Mental Health/Depression, or anything else, you can contact me. I’m happy to help.
Name: LUCA
Age: 23
Nationality: Syrian
Gender: Nonbinary
Pronouns: they/them - he/him
Sexual Orientation: Gay
Talk to me about: gender/sexuality/religion/acceptance/mental health
Hi! I am a TU/e student following a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering.
My experience with sexuality and gender was a fairly long road of acceptance of my own identity wrought with overcoming a lot of the stigma that the LGBTQ+ community still faces in my home country - unfortunately it is still a very unsafe environment for any LGBTQ+ person to be there, so I have had to take some measures, like the lack of a picture - however I’m comfortable meeting and talking to anyone within Compass or TU/e!
I love to write poetry and music - a lot of my work draws upon my own experiences, and the struggle for acceptance and liberation from the discrimination a lot of us in the community still face, and I have definitely learned a lot from that. My other hobbies are listening to music, photography, cooking/baking, learning languages.
If you would like to talk to me about gender identity and sexuality, coming to terms with it, and navigating these tough relationships intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships you may have to deal with, or even if you would just like to chat about anything that’s on your mind not related to these -- feel free to talk to me!