ABOUT US
LGBT World Beside is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization officially registered in the Netherlands in 2018.
Our work began by helping LGBTQ+ individuals who fled Chechnya starting in 2017 to escape torture and persecution due to their sexual orientation.
Today, we support all LGBTQ+ individuals from Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia seeking refugee status or asylum in the Netherlands.
We hold the status of a public benefit organization (ANBI) in the Netherlands.
Chairman
Ioannis Gavrilidis
Born in Sukhumi, my family fled the war to Greece. This experience shaped my empathy for anyone having to start over and reinforced my belief that a safe sanctuary is built within compassionate communities.
My journey across Europe — via Poland to the Netherlands — kept that conviction alive.
Professionally, I have worked for over a decade in the banking sector in financial crime investigations and sanctions advisory. Outside of this, I am a film producer, improv comedian, and founder of European Media House. I also write essays on European culture on Substack, driven by the idea that storytelling and humor bring people together.
My commitment to human rights began long before my chairmanship, including my work as a volunteer for LGBT World Beside. As Chairman, I focus on supporting refugees who are building a new life.
My mission is for the entire LGBTQ+ community to be understood, protected, and given the room to thrive.
Treasurer
Ekaterina Avdeeva
As treasurer, I support the work of Stichting LGBT World Beside. I have been actively involved with the organization for over two years, dedicating myself to supporting and integrating LGBTQ+ refugees and newcomers in the Netherlands.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Management with a special interest in human resources and organizational development. Using my knowledge and sense of responsibility, I oversee the foundation’s financial health and contribute to the further growth and strengthening of our organization.
For me, volunteering is about connection, solidarity, and equal opportunities. I believe every contribution makes an impact.
Through my efforts, I want to support people in building a new life in the Netherlands and contribute to a strong, inclusive, and safe society.
Executive Director
Harlem van Hayzer
I am a driven and committed social worker with a personal migration background. After fleeing to the Netherlands, I built a new life and network here. Since May 2025, I have been working as a social worker at Levgroep.
Previously, I worked in technical roles, but my passion wasn't there. In my current work, I can continue to develop myself and make a meaningful difference for others — something I deeply value. Drawing from my own experience, I founded a foundation to support people starting over with their integration.
Additionally, I am socially and politically active and a candidate in the 2026 municipal elections. I am eager to learn, highly motivated, and dedicated to building an inclusive society.
Member of the Supervisory Board
Henk Nijmeijer
As a retired resident of Assen, I live with my husband.
As a former member of the Provincial Council and chair of GroenLinks in Drenthe, my career reflects a ongoing commitment to equality and the environment.
I am particularly proud to have initiated the Rainbow Province initiative. As a result, Drenthe became the first Rainbow Province in the Netherlands in 2016 — a movement that has since been embraced by all Dutch provinces.
Since June 2023, I have served as Drenthe's Rainbow Ambassador and continue my unwavering advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community as a core member of RozeLinks (GroenLinks) and Het Roze Netwerk (PvdA).
