ONS PROGRAMMA
LGBT World Beside is a volunteer non-profit organization officially registered in the Netherlands in 2018. Our work began with providing assistance to LGBTQ+ people who, since 2017, have been fleeing Chechnya to escape torture and persecution based on their sexual orientation.
The situation with LGBTQ+ rights in the region of Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia
Discrimination and persecution at the state level and from society have been a reality for the LGBTQ+ community in the EECCA (Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia) region for many decades. In many countries, state-driven homophobia has led to further erosion of the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community.
A significant event was the adoption of the so-called "gay propaganda law" in Russia, which banned the free dissemination of information about LGBTQ+ people. This law not only made any educational activities impossible but also led to a rise in homophobia in society, including extreme forms of violence.
In April 2017, reports emerged of a wave of persecution, arrests, torture, and killings of queer people initiated by the regional authorities of the Chechen Republic.
In 2022, Russia tightened the previously adopted propaganda law, making it illegal to spread any positive or neutral information about the queer community to audiences of any age.
Homophobic tendencies are also increasing in other countries of the region. In 2023, Kyrgyzstan adopted a "propaganda" law, and in 2024, an identical bill was submitted for consideration by the Georgian parliament.
In Tajikistan, the government compiled a registry of publicly known LGBTQ+ individuals, claiming that this measure was intended to combat the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Our goals
We provide social and integration support to all LGBTQ+ individuals from the Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia regions who apply for refugee status or have been granted asylum in the Netherlands. As far as possible, we offer legal assistance and psychological support, organize events for the LGBTQ+ community, and raise awareness of key issues, among other activities.
Our methods
Organization of educational events. We organize public lectures, seminars, and debates on topics related to the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in the region and in host countries.
Community strengthening. We organize picnics, walks, and other events for members of the LGBTQ+ community to help overcome isolation and make them feel not alone in the host country’s public gatherings.
Public advocacy. We publish petitions and reports, work with governments and parliaments of European countries, as well as with other international bodies.
Support for LGBTQ+ people in the region. We support LGBTQ+ individuals and their families who are still in the countries of the region and are at risk of persecution.
Collaboration. We collaborate with other organizations active in the field of LGBTQ+ refugee rights, as well as with human rights and charitable organizations with broader profiles.
Finances
We accept donations from our supporters and are also grateful for cooperation with institutional donors. This support allows us to continue developing our projects and creating new ones.
The funds received are directed toward achieving the organization's goals. Each year, we publish an activity report to adhere to the principles of transparency and accountability to our supporters.
In the event of the organization's liquidation, any positive balance will be donated to a public and/or charitable organization whose goals and principles align with those of our organization.
Communication
Communication with the target audience is carried out through the publication of informational materials on the organization's website and on social media.
Management and board
Haarlem van Hayzer, Chairman
Daniel Pfeiffer, Secretary
Mel Alexander Daluzyan, Treasurer
Board members do not receive compensation for their work. They are entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred in the course of performing their duties.
Legal information
Name: Stichting LGBT World Beside
RSIN: 858886960
KVK Number: 71882766
Address: Cerespad 12, 5694 WC, Son en Breugel
Website: https://lgbtworldbeside.org/
Email: info@lgbtworldbeside.org / info@lgbtwb.org