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Welcome to our

Organization!

Discover our mission, meet the team and explore our events.

Our mission and vision

empowering LGBT+Asylum seekers
We are committed to supporting the empowerment, well-being, and social inclusion of LGBT+ and queer asylum seekers and refugees in the Netherlands. We aim to foster safe, inclusive environments where individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds can thrive, connect, and integrate into Dutch society.

We envisions a society in which all LGBT+ and queer refugees—regardless of their country of origin—are treated with dignity, have equal opportunities to participate fully in social and cultural life, and can access safe spaces, supportive communities, and personal growth. We strives for a more inclusive, understanding, and interconnected Dutch society, where diversity is valued and protected.
Upcoming eventsLanding photo

Projects

Spelletjesdag

Spelletjesdag is a key initiative developed and organized by the team that later founded the Foundation Q2. First launched in January 2023 under another organisation, it is now being continued and expanded under the Foundation Q2 to support the community. This project organizes meetings for LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers from post-Soviet countries in Amsterdam, usually held once every 1–2 months. These events provide participants with the opportunity to attend informational sessions about Dutch society, culture, and politics. Additionally, participants can enjoy various games such as quizzes, bingo, and Mafia, and socialize with one another.
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Policy Plans & Reports

Policy Plans

2026
Our policy plan for 2026 will be published here by the end of 2025.
View PolicyDownload PDF

Annual Reports

2025
Our annual report for 2025 will be publiushed here by March 31, 2026
View PolicyDownload PDF

News

Spelletjesdag photo

Spelletjesdag 04-10-2025

Amsterdam, October 15

On October 4, we welcomed around 40 guests to a joyful afternoon of games,connection and community. Spelletjesdag brought together LGBTQ+ refugees andasylum seekers at a spacious location of the Goethe Institute Amsterdam.

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Events

15
NOV
2025

Spelletjesdag

Community Games & Social Event
Location
Goethe Institute, Amsterdam
Herengracht 470
Time
13:00 - 18: 00
For
LGBT+ Asylum Seekers & Refugees
This is a good opportunity to reconnect with friends, make new acquaintances, hang out together in a spacious building and friendly settings as well as play games. You will receive the detailed program on November 13 or 14.
Register now
The registration deadline is November 14.

About US

Hrayr Manukyan

Hrayr Manukyan

Co-founder and Director

Hrayr Manukyan is a co-founder and director of Foundation Q2. He has been leading and managing community-based projects such as Spelletjesdag and supporting LGBT+ and queer refugees in the Netherlands since 2022. Alongside his work at Q2, he are a part-time PhD candidate in philosophy at Utrecht University. Previously, Hrayr worked as a junior researcher at the University of Amsterdam and as a journalist and analyst for Armenian media. He holds a BA in Economics from the Armenian State University of Economics, an MA in Journalism from the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs, an MSc in Political Science from the University of Amsterdam, and a Research Master's in Philosophy from the University of Amsterdam. Through his leadership at Stichting Q2 , Hrayr is committed to fostering safe, inclusive spaces that empower LGBT+ and queer asylum seekers and refugees, in line with the foundation's mission of social inclusion, dignity, and diversity. At Stichting Q2 , Hrayr is dedicated to building an inclusive community where everyone—regardless of their background—can find support, friendship, and opportunities to grow.

Mel Alexander Daluzyan

Mel Alexander Daluzyan

Co-founder and Deputy Director

Mel Alexander Daluzyan is the co-founder and deputy director of Foundation Q2 . A two-time European Champion in Weightlifting and medalist at both European and World Championships, Mel is celebrated for his outstanding achievements in sport as well as his strength beyond the arena. He holds degrees in physical education and jurisprudence and now works as a personal trainer in Amsterdam, alongside his dedication to Q2. Mel's journey has not been without challenges. As a transgender man and outspoken advocate for LGBT+ rights in Armenia, he faced discrimination and adversity that ultimately led him to seek asylum in the Netherlands in 2016. Since then, he has become an inspirational figure and role model within the queer community, using his resilience and experience to support and empower others. Beyond his professional and activist life, Mel is happily married and a proud father of two children. At Q2, he continues to fight for the rights and dignity of LGBT+ and queer refugees, bringing not only his professional expertise but also his lived experience and passion for creating a more inclusive and supportive society.

Arabo Sargsyan

Arabo Sargsyan

Chair of the Board

Arabo Sargsyan is the chair of the board of Foundation Q2. A graphic designer by profession, he has also devoted many years to eco-activism, animal protection, and political engagement. As a refugee himself, Arabo knows first-hand the challenges of displacement and the complexities of the immigration process. With this experience, he is committed to supporting others on the same path, helping them navigate difficulties and find strength in community.

Tijn Milan Smits

Tijn Milan Smits

Treasurer

Tijn Milan Smits is the treasurer of the board of the Foundation Q2. He is PhD Candidate in philosophy at the University of Amsterdam, specializing in the ethics of Immanuel Kant. While he loves thinking about fundamental questions in ethics and political philosophy, he find it important to also contribute something practical in line with these philosophical commitments. For that reason, he previously ran a language café for undocumented migrants in Amsterdam. Being queer is an important part of his own identity. Bringing these experiences together, he is passionate about supporting queer refugees to find their way in the Netherlands.

Lilit Ghazaryan

Lilit Ghazaryan

Secretary

Lilit Ghazaryan is the secretary of the board of the Foundation Q2. She is a linguist by education and an anthropologist at heart, with a past life as a journalist and activist in Armenia. Coming to the Netherlands as a refugee taught her firsthand what it means to start over — a perspective she now brings to her work with Q2. She has been closely connected to queer experiences through her relationships and friendships, carrying both empathy and awareness of the unique struggles queer people — especially asylum seekers from post-Soviet countries — face. That's why she is proud to help create spaces of safety and belonging here. As Lilit puts it: "I'm proving to myself that it's never too late to reinvent your path. I'm studying Business Innovation, because I believe fresh ideas and bold experiments are what keep both people and organizations alive. And if there's one thing I've learned along the way, it's that change — whether personal or political — is always possible, even if it sometimes starts with a leap into the unknown."

Contact

Organization Details

Statutary name:
Stichting Q2
Chamber of Commerce number:
98087347
RSIN:
868353772
Address:
Elandsstraat 170 C, 1016SK Amsterdam
Email:
hrayrm@gmail.com

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