Brussels Pride will shine a spotlight on the LGBTQ+ community on Saturday 18 May by decorating the capital's streets with rainbow colours, the organisers announced on Monday.
This year's event, entitled 'Safe Everyday Everywhere', is a call to action against all forms of discrimination, violence or hate crimes, to instil a sense of freedom and tranquillity, the organisers stated. "The importance of this demonstration for an inclusive, safer and fairer society cannot be emphasised enough," they added.
The celebration, culminating in the Pride March, will began at 14:30 on Saturday 18 May at Mont des Arts, filling the city centre's streets. "It aims to celebrate diversity, tolerance and acceptance for all, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity," the organisers noted.
LGBTQ+ and allied artists will perform on a stage at Mont des Arts, while the Rainbow Village will entertain passers-by in the Saint-Jacques Quarter.
To ensure maximum enjoyment of the event in a secure environment, Brussels Pride will implement the Safer Pride initiative, offering support and medical or psychosocial assistance as needed. Associations will also educate the public about their advocacy and the struggles currently faced by the community at the Pride Village.
Preceding the Pride March, a range of activities, screenings and performances promoting inclusion and diversity will take place, including a cross-sectional event on Wednesday 8 May at Molenbeek's Maison des Cultures and the Suzan Daniel Bridge, as well as the Mini-Pride parade on Thursday 16 May.
