Harlem van Hayzer (Founder)

Harlem decided to found LGBT World Beside in 2017 after experiencing forced migration, seeking asylum in the Netherlands, and struggling to adjust to a new country. This experience inspired him to focus on providing systematic support to LGBTQ+ people who were forced to flee their countries and sought protection in the Netherlands and other European countries.

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He served as chair of the board during these years. In 2025, he decided to step down. Now, he is a dedicated ambassador for the foundation.

Henk Nijmeijer 

Henk Nijmeijer is a retired resident of Assen, Netherlands, where he lives with his husband. As a former member of the Provincial Council and chairman of GroenLinks in Drenthe, his career reflects his dedication to equality and environmental causes.

He is particularly proud of initiating the Rainbow Province initiative, which made Drenthe the first Rainbow Province in 2016 - a movement now embraced by all Dutch provinces. Since June 2023, he has served as Drenthe's Rainbow Ambassador and continues his LGBTI+ advocacy work as a core member of RozeLinks (GroenLinks) and het Roze Netwerk (PvdA).

Aaron Holloway

My name is Aaron Holloway, and I am honored to be the USA Ambassador for LGBT World Beside. I am a proud Black American gay man of Creole, Igbo, and Balanta ancestry. I am originally from Beaumont, Texas, approximately 85 miles from Houston and 19 miles from the Texas-Louisiana state border. My journey has been one of advocacy, resilience, and deep commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. I am passionate about global LGBTQIA+ human rights, HIV/AIDS, trans and women's healthcare, humanitarianism, and religious tolerance. I strive to create positive change through my involvement in political campaigns, nonprofit organizations, and artistic endeavors. 

Geert Gabriëls

Geert Gabriëls, a former deputy from Weert, has been an ambassador for the non-profit organization LGBT World Beside since 2024. 

“In any case, my goal is to put the organization in the spotlight every now and then. This organization is there. And to point out to people their rights and obligations and what possibilities there are here,” says Gabriëls. “I think it is important because I have an affinity with Russia and speak Russian, and am married to a man myself.” 

Herman Bosveld 

I began my professional career as an apprentice electrician and later became the owner of a consultancy in personnel and organizational management. I hold an HBO degree in labour market policy and personnel management.

Since the age of 58, I have been active as a volunteer for organizations supporting the LGBTIQA+ community, including Switchboard (COC Nederland), Secret Garden, and Choices Support Center in Amsterdam, where I worked as a care coordinator supporting LGBTIQA+ asylum seekers.

In 2021, I first came into contact with LGBT World Beside and supported several refugees online in learning the Dutch language. After a period of occasional contact, this has resulted in my current position as ambassador. In this role, I contribute to the visibility and advocacy of LGBTIQA+ refugees.

My book From Rat to Rainbow (Van rat naar regenboog), about abuse, survival, strength, and love, was recently published.

Supporting others gives my life meaning, and with my experience and knowledge I aim to make a positive contribution.

Leon Augustijn

Schrijver, motivator en spreker.

{More information coming soon}