MISSION, VISION
AND VALUES
We empower LGBTQI+ refugees by providing comprehensive support in their native languages building communities and serving as a vital bridge between refugees and existing support infrastructure.
We empower LGBTQI+ refugees by providing comprehensive support in their native languages building communities and serving as a vital bridge between refugees and existing support infrastructure.
MISSION
MISSION
We empower LGBTQI+ refugees by providing comprehensive support in their native languages building communities and serving as a vital bridge between refugees and existing support infrastructure.
VALUES
VISION
LGBT World Beside is dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals seeking refugee status or have already received asylum in the Netherlands.
Founded by former refugees, the organization addresses the essential needs of its community members in their respective languages.
We strive to empower LGBTQI+ refugees by providing comprehensive support services, and fostering inclusive communities that celebrate diversity. Through education, advocacy, and direct assistance, we serve as a vital bridge between refugees and the network of governmental and local support organizations. We work to promote cultural understanding and mutual respect facilitating seamless access to resources and ensuring that
the unique needs of LGBTQI+ refugees are effectively met within the existing support infrastructure.
Compassion and Empathy
LGBT World Beside’s work begins from a place of genuine concern for the well-being of LGBTQ+ refugees.
We strive to listen to every individual’s story and address their unique challenges with sensitivity, care, and an unwavering commitment to helping them thrive.
Inclusion and Respect
By embracing people of every background, orientation, and identity, LGBT World Beside fosters a welcoming environment free from discrimination. Each person’s voice and experiences matter, and twe value diversity as a source of strength and enrichment.
Empowerment and Growth
LGBT World Beside is dedicated to providing refugees with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to flourish in their new environment. Through education, vocational training, and mentorship, the organization helps individuals gain confidence in their abilities and chart a path toward independence.
Collaboration and Community
Partnerships with universities, NGOs, businesses, and local communities are central to LGBT World Beside’s efforts.
By uniting diverse stakeholders, we nurture a network of solidarity and mutual support that amplifies impact and drives social change.
Integrity and Accountability
Every initiative, from research projects to counseling services, is conducted transparently and ethically. LGBT World Beside honors the trust placed in its mission by using resources responsibly, upholding professional standards, and remaining accountable to its community and supporters.
Advocacy and Social Justice
Championing the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ refugees is at the heart of LGBT World Beside’s mission.
By conducting research, producing reports, and raising public awareness, we combat harmful stereotypes and promote policies that ensure equal treatment and opportunity for all.
CORE STRATEGIES
LGBT World Beside pursues several key strategies to fulfill its mission.
A core focus is the fostering of integration for refugees, particularly those identifying as LGBTQ+. This involves offering professional, educational, and language support to facilitate their successful adaptation. Through language exchange initiatives at Leiden University, the organization helps refugees acquire new skills while forging meaningful social connections. Community-building events, such as the Spelletjesdag gatherings, encourage cultural immersion and mutual support among refugees and volunteers. World Beside complements these efforts by arranging mentorship programs, counseling, and safe transportation, ensuring that refugees access the resources they need for a smooth transition into Dutch society.
A second focus area is research, which underpins the organization’s policy advocacy and practical interventions. By collecting qualitative and quantitative data and publishing reports, World Beside identifies and addresses systemic barriers in asylum procedures and broader integration processes. Sharing these findings with universities, local organizations, and authorities inspires evidence-based improvements in refugee support programs and fosters collaborative solutions for challenges faced by LGBTQ+ asylum seekers.
A further priority is the provision of psychological support. Through initiatives like Psy4Queer, refugees receive free counseling sessions and access to mental health resources that address the stressors tied to cultural transitions, discrimination, and past trauma. This support is critical for developing resilience and creating a solid foundation for successful integration into a new society.
Community-building stands at the heart of LGBT World Beside’s work. In-person activities, from small-group gatherings to casual social events, help refugees develop new friendships and connect with local communities. By providing safe spaces, the organization encourages dialogue and promotes understanding of shared human experiences, reducing isolation and discrimination.
LGBT World Beside also engages in advocacy and public awareness campaigns through events, conferences, and a podcast called Crossing the Borders. By highlighting the specific challenges faced by LGBTQ+ refugees, the organization draws public attention to issues often overlooked or misrepresented. Partnerships with universities, cultural institutions, businesses, and like-minded NGOs expand this impact, uniting diverse groups in the common goal of protecting the rights and dignity of refugees.