О НАС
LGBT World Beside – волонтерская некоммерческая организация, официально зарегистрированная в Нидерландах в 2018 году. Наша работа началась с оказания помощи ЛГБТК+ людям, которые начиная с 2017 года бежали из Чечни, спасаясь от пыток и преследований на почве сексуальной ориентации. В настоящее время мы оказываем поддержку всем ЛГБТК+ людям из региона Восточной Европы, Кавказа и Центральной Азии, которые обращаются за статусом беженца или получили убежище в Нидерландах.
Мы имеем статус общественной благотворительной организации в Нидерландах (ANBI).
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.
Ambassador
Mirjam de Groot
I am someone who loves connecting people and who believes that everyone should be given the space to be themselves and participate in our society.
Drawing from my background in management, the social sector, and my civic and administrative involvement, I have learned how important it is to bring different people and worlds together. In doing so, I always look for connections and, above all, for what is possible.
That is why the mission of LGBT World Beside resonates with me. For LGBTQIA+ refugees and newcomers, safety is unfortunately not always a given. Even when you have had to leave your country and start over somewhere else, you should not have to be afraid to show who you are all over again.
As an ambassador, I want to use my network, experience, and commitment to raise awareness about this, connect people, and contribute to greater understanding and acceptance.
I believe everyone deserves to truly belong somewhere—regardless of where you come from, who you love, or who you are.
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).
Team Psy4queer
Varvara Prodai
I am a researcher working on gender politics, right-wing populism, and disinformation.
Since 2024, I have been contributing to the Psy4Queer project, supporting its research work.
My investigative writing on anti-LGBTI disinformation has been published by EUobserver and The Loop (ECPR).
I have presented my research at the IPSA World Congress and the European Lesbian* Conference.
