SEARCH RESULTS

On March 29, 2025, a Spelletjesdag event for LGBT+ asylum seekers and refugees from post-Soviet countries took place in Amsterdam. The event started at 13:00 and lasted until 18:00, with about 40 people participating. During the event, participants attended an informational session where Zara Guliyeva, owner of Jasmine Tours & Events ,  talked about how to start a business in the Netherlands and about a tour that she will organize for ur this spring. After the information session, participants played Bingo with prizes and "Mafia".

The team of PSY4QUEER team has been in negotiations with nearly 90 clinics across the Netherlands since last year. We have successfully reached agreements with several of them, allowing us to refer asylum seekers to Dutch clinics for both psychological and psychiatric support. The assistance is provided using a comprehensive approach specifically tailored to working with asylum seekers. If needed, the person seeking help will be referred to a psychiatric specialist. We now have the opportunity to refer asylum seekers to a Dutch clinic for psychological and psychiatric support. The clinics offer comprehensive approach to psychological care, specifically tailored for asylum seekers. If necessary, the client can be referred to a psychiatric specialist. You can apply for assistance on the Psy4Queer project page : please indicate in your application if you would like or are willing to work with the local clinic.

On February 22, 2025, a Spelletjesdag event for LGBT+ asylum seekers and refugees from post-Soviet countries took place in Amsterdam. The event started at 13:00 and lasted until 18:00, with 55 people participating. During the event, participants attended an informational session where representatives of our organisation presented the project Psy4Queer and discussed issues related to psychological help in the Netherlands. After the session, participants played three rounds of Bingo, with winners receiving prizes.

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 Dutc h 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).

On December 13, 2024, the second language exchange meeting took place at Leiden University , organized by the Proud Integration project from LGBT World Beside . Dutch students learning Russian and Russian-speaking refugees gathered once again to improve their language skills and learn more about each other’s cultures. The atmosphere was warm, festive, and inspiring. What We Talked About The meeting was led by the organizers — Olga , Mark , and Dori — who made it thematic, dedicating the event to Christmas and New Year. Participants shared their memories and discussed holiday traditions in Russia and the Netherlands. The stories became so personal that the conversation quickly moved beyond formal communication. A highlight of the evening was a musical performance by Samuel , who played Russian songs on the guitar. The emotional reaction from the participants showed that music had truly become a bridge between cultures. The event also featured language games — an engaging format that allowed participants to relax, have fun, and, of course, practice the language. Many noted that, compared to the first meeting, communication had become much more natural and free-flowing. After the Official Part The evening continued at the cozy café De Keizer , where the organizers created the perfect setting for informal conversations. Philip played a key role in arranging the space. Over cups of coffee, participants discussed important and deep topics: adapting to a new country, personal challenges, and dreams. These meaningful conversations became possible thanks to the atmosphere of trust that had formed over the two meetings. Why It Matters The organizers from LGBT World Beside believe that projects like this help not only with language learning but also with bringing people together. For refugees, it’s a chance to feel part of a new society, and for students, it’s an opportunity to broaden their perspectives, step beyond their usual experiences, and learn about the lives of others. By the second meeting, participants already felt like a team. They shared personal stories openly and, as the organizers noted, had overcome many cultural barriers. Looking Ahead LGBT World Beside plans to continue developing the Proud Integration project , making such meetings a regular occurrence. In today’s world, building bridges between people is more important than ever. Gratitude to Those Who Make It Possible The organizers expressed their deep gratitude to Leiden University for its support, as well as to the volunteers — Igor , Laura , Frederic , and Alex . Special thanks to Samuel for the music and to Philip for his help with the café. The project was made possible with the support of a foundation that helps turn such events into reality. If you’d like to join the next meeting or support the initiative, stay updated on the LGBT World Beside website. With the support of the 1818 Fund .

On January 25, 2025, a Spelletjesdag event for LGBT+ asylum seekers and refugees from post-Soviet countries took place in Amsterdam. The event started at 13:00 and lasted until 18:00, with more than 40 people participating. During the event, participants attended an informational session where Maxim Hodak , a representative of the Hodak law firm, discussed issues related to entrepreneurship in the Netherlands. After the session, participants played three rounds of Bingo, with winners receiving prizes.

On October 31st the team of LGBT World Beside with support from COC arranged a Halloween Party for Russian-speaking refugees. By arranging this event, we aimed to: Facilitate cultural integration:  as Halloween is widely celebrated across the world, there are also regional specificities everywhere, and our party was a way to introduce the guests to the Dutch traditions and customs; Create a safe and inclusive meeting space: the team of LGBT World Beside always takes care of safety and inclusion at our events to make everyone feel welcome and relaxed in an informal setting. Events like this are important to support the refugees' mental health and allow them to take a break from their daily stuggles. Additionally, we invited Dutch volunteers to show an example of community support and kindness from local residents, helping refugees feel welcomed and accepted. So the party was also an opportunity for cultural exchange and interaction with the local community. The party opened with a welcome speech by the organizaers, who briefly introduced themselves, the history and the customs of Halloween in the Netherlands. Then we informally moved on to the activities: costume competition and party games (Mafia, Uno and ghost-hunt). Everyone got their own prize! We appreciate the contributions of volunteers who help up decorate the location, prepared everything for the party games, shared photos and videos on social media and rated the Halloween costumes. We invited guests of all ages, including chidlren with famiilies. Eventually only adults showed up, which led to some changes in the program. Also, due to the late arrivals, we didn't have the time for the movie screenings and a guessing game. Despite these organizational challenges, everyone felt that the event was very fulfilling and fun. Taking notes from the Halloween Party and planning for future events, we want to ensure accessbility and avoid program delay, involve more families with children and seek additional funding : this time, the costs for prizes and refreshments where covered by volunteers, so we would need more resources to hold such events regularly and scale them up to include more people. Events like this are significant means of supporting and integrating refugees.They allow participants to feel a part of society and engage in the host country’s cultural life. The Halloween party highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for socializing and cultural exchange and demonstrated the key role volunteer work can play in improving people's lives.

Another round of Spelletjesdag events began for Russian-speaking LGBT+ refugees and asylum seekers residing in the Netherlands. The first event took place in Amsterdam on November 16, with around 40 participants. During the event, some participants attended an informational session where board members of LGBT World Beside, Harlem van Hayer and Mel Daluzyan, along with Spelletjesdag project manager Hrayr Manukyan, shared insights about LGBT World Beside, including its structure, main projects, and plans. A document outlining the organization's structure, adopted by the board on November 9, was also presented. After the informational session, some participants played the game Bingo, and the winners received prizes. This round of events is financed by Oranje Fonds, Haella Foundation and Het Blauwe Fonds.

On September 26th, Leiden University hosted the first language exchange meeting in the frame of the Proud Integration project of LGBT World Beside . The event brought together students learning Russian and refugees seeking to learn Dutch. This exchange became an important platform for mutual enrichment not only in language skills, but also in culture and habits. FORMAT AND ATMOSPHERE Under the guidance of Dutch and Russian language teachers, Mark and Oli, the evening turned into a fascinating language journey.  Board games for socialising in small groups (four people per table) helped to create a mellow atmosphere and build up to the language practice itself. The event continued for one and a half hours, and more than 40 participants engaged actively in a lively conversation to both improve their language skills and make new acquaintances. OUTCOME AND IMPACT Many participants were impressed by how well the Dutch students spoke Russian. The opportunity to connect through langugage helped to break down cultural barriers, uniting people from different countries and diverse backgorunds. After the official part of the evening, the discussion continued in one of the cosy bars in Leiden, where Frederick, a student of the Department of Russian Studies, booked a place for 40 people. The casual atmosphere allowed for participants to open up and talk about not only language issues, but also share personal stories. Many people expressed their interest in holding such meetings frequently to stimulate the integration process through a deeper immersion in language environment and Dutch culture. THE VALUE FOR INTEGRATION LGBT World Beside regards such events as a fundametal part of refugees' integration. Language exchange is more than just a way to learn a new language quickly — it helps refugees connect with the local community, which is especially important for those who are just starting their lives in a new country. Initiatives like this help refugees feel more confident, build social connections and find the support they need to fully adapt. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We sincerely thank Leiden University for supporting this important initiative, all the organisers — Dori, Olga, Mark, Frederik — for facilitating the event, and of course every participant for making the evening so memorable. This meeting was an important step towards strengthening our community and supporting refugees in their integration process. LGBT World Beside  will continue developing programmes aimed at helping refugees, and we intend to arrange more gatherings like this in the future, so that everyone can find their place in society, surpassing cultural or language barriers.

The team of LGBT World Beside shares the presentation on refugees' safety in AZC (asielzoekerscentrum, asylum seekers' centre). Inside you will find an overview of the problems that refugees face in the centres, our suggestions on possible solutions and adaptation recommendations for the refugees. PDF: RUS, ENG

LGBT World Beside, in partnership with the employment agency Motop, is excited to announce a special event as part of our Proud Integration project. This initiative is dedicated to enhancing employability and creating pathways to employment for LGBTQIA+ refugees from Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Our goal is to make the formal labor market more accessible to those who have faced career breaks during the asylum process and encounter significant challenges such as language barriers, the absence of professional networks, and the lack of recognition of their qualifications.   Why This Event Matters   For many LGBTQIA+ refugees, securing a job is not just about financial stability—it’s about reclaiming self-respect, independence, and the opportunity to integrate into a new community. If you’ve ever dreamed of working for a world-renowned company, this event could be your gateway to achieving that dream. It’s an opportunity to explore educational programs in IT and discover job openings within large companies, helping you to build a successful career path.   Event Details   ​•​ Date: 6th September ​•​ Time: 14:00 – 17:00 ​•​ Location: Goethe Institute, Amsterdam   Please note that travel expenses are not covered, but participants with the weekend-for-free train subscription can use it for the return trip. Additionally, a 40% discount on tickets to the event is available.   What to Expect   At the event, Motop will present a comprehensive overview of their traineeship program, designed to empower you with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the Netherlands. The presentation will be delivered by Anna Maas, Partnership and Recruitment Manager at Motop.   About the Motop Traineeship Program   Motop offers more than just technical training. Their program includes intensive, personalized mentorship, preparing you for a fruitful career in IT. Upon successful completion of the traineeship, Motop will guide you directly to a role at one of their partner companies, providing ample opportunities for professional growth. Many of their alumni have gone on to succeed at prestigious companies like ABN AMRO, Nationale Postcode Loterij, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.   Program Highlights:   ​•​A 4-6 month immersive full-time training in IT, with possible extensions. ​•​Hands-on experience in software development, led by industry experts. ​•​Workshops on essential soft skills, including presentation techniques, effective communication, and teamwork. ​•​Comprehensive understanding of Dutch work culture. ​•​Expert mentorship throughout your IT career journey. ​•​Free traineeship, with travel costs compensated and a laptop provided if needed. ​•​Guaranteed full-time job placement in IT upon successful program completion.   Who Should Apply?   ​•​Refugees or newcomers to the Netherlands with the right to work. ​•​English language proficiency at level B2. ​•​Full-time availability. ​•​Experience or strong interest in IT. ​•​Education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. ​•​Strong communication skills, analytical thinking, and a proactive attitude. ​•​Flexibility to travel between Amsterdam and Almere. ​•​A basic or good understanding of the Dutch language is a plus.   Join us for this inspiring event and take the first step towards a brighter future in the Netherlands. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your career!

ASML x LGBT World Beside, 28/May/2024. First of all, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to ASML for inviting us to the careers event and tour. It was an incredible opportunity to make a real breakthrough in our work with LGBTQIA+ refugees from Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. This kind of joint event with one of the world’s leading companies was the first for us, but certainly not the last. It is a shining example for other companies to follow. For many in our community of refugees with a background in IT, this was more than just a tour – it was a beacon of hope and opportunity. ASML, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of chip manufacturing equipment, opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities. This information is critical as it provides real opportunities for members of our community to start or continue their careers in a supportive and progressive environment. Collaboration is at the core of ASML’s success. By working together with partners in their ecosystem, they expand their knowledge and skills, creating solutions that are optimized for everyone. This collaborative spirit was evident during our event, as we felt the collective potential of working together to achieve common goals. ASML also cares deeply about its impact on people, society, and the planet. They create a safe, inclusive, and trusting environment where people from all walks of life are encouraged to speak up, contribute, make mistakes, learn, and grow. This culture of care and respect was palpable during our visit and reinforced our belief in the power of inclusion. The May 28 recruitment event was organized by the LGBTQIA+ employee community, Proud ASML. Proud ASML was founded in 2014 with a simple but powerful goal: to be visible. It stands for inclusion and support for LGBTQIA+ employees, proving that visibility and acceptance can thrive even in large multinational companies. The event was a stepping stone that gave LGBT World Beside members a clearer picture of how they can integrate into the workforce and make a meaningful contribution to their new society, and for us, it was an unforgettable experience. When we walked through the doors of ASML, we were welcomed with open arms and given an informative tour of the campus. We didn’t just learn about the company’s impressive history and cutting-edge technology; we met the amazing people who make ASML what it is. This included our speakers: Renee Malone, Diversity & Inclusion Talent Consultant, and Romain Cauchois, Senior Engineer and Board Member of Proud ASML. During the event, we learned about internship programs and various career paths, from IT and engineering to project management and business processes. The informal networking with our speakers and members of the Proud ASML community was a blast, with participants excited to discuss potential career paths within the company and the opportunity to directly connect with others. One of our participants summed it up beautifully: “Meeting the ASML team was like a dream. The warm interactions and meaningful conversations were a turning point in my job search.” Another added: “Participating in this event boosted my confidence and inspired me to aim higher. The support from the Proud ASML community was incredibly inspiring.” In Dutch society, refugees are often seen as a burden and as not wanting to work. But the truth is far from this. Refugees face significant obstacles, from living in camps for years to struggling with language barriers and lack of a professional network. This event was a powerful reminder that, given the chance, refugees are eager and willing to contribute to developing their talents and skills. We are pleased to announce that following this event, some of our members have been invited to join Proud ASML at the Eindhoven Pride Parade 2024. This gesture marks the beginning of a wonderful partnership. We will further work together on an employment program specifically for refugees, aiming to break down barriers and open up new opportunities for those who need them most.