Our Board

Harlem van Hayzer is a founder and a board member (chair of the board) of the non-profit organization LGBT World Beside. He established the organization while he was a refugee in the Netherlands back in 2017. Witnessing the difficulties faced by LGBT+ individuals on their refugee journeys, he decided to assist those compelled to forge new lives in the Netherlands and other European countries.

Mel Alexander Daluzyan is a board member (treasurer) of LGBT World Beside. He is an accomplished former professional weightlifter, renowned for his exceptional performance in prestigious competitions such as the European Weightlifting Championships and the World Weightlifting Championships. Throughout his career, he had remarkable achievements, earning the titles of two-time European Champion and two-time World bronze medalist.

However, Mel’s remarkable journey was not without its share of challenges, particularly concerning his gender identity. Faced with discrimination and adversity due to his gender identity and his advocacy for LGBT+ rights in Armenia, he sought asylum in The Netherlands. Despite the obstacles he encountered, Mel has consistently served as an inspirational figure and role model within the Armenian LGBT community. To this day, he remains dedicated to fighting for LGBT rights in his new home, The Netherlands, actively engaging with various organizations and serving as a valued board member of LGBT World Beside.