Brussels Pride is set to honour the LGBTQIA+ community, hosting a rainbow-coloured spectacle throughout the capital’s streets.
This year’s event, themed “Safe Everyday Everywhere”, calls against all forms of discrimination, violence or hate crime, encouraging each person’s freedom to live peacefully.
The Pride celebration comes amid increasing harassment and violence against LGBTIQ individuals, particularly in Belgium, according to recent European reports.
In Belgium, 15% of respondents were assaulted in the five years leading up to the survey (compared to the EU average of 13%), while 6% were attacked in the previous year (5% across the EU).
“This year, Brussels Pride underscores more than ever the importance of this rally towards an inclusive, safer, and more equitable society for everyone, everyday,” the organisers stated.
The Pride March, the climax of Brussels Pride, will kick off from Mont des Arts at 2.30 pm, spreading throughout the city centre. Organisers have clarified that its aim is “to celebrate diversity, tolerance, and acceptance of everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”
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LGBTQIA+ artists and supporters will light up the stage at Mont des Arts, while the Rainbow Village and its venues in the Saint-Jacques district will animate the city centre streets.
To ensure everyone can fully enjoy the event safely, Brussels Pride will introduce the Safer Pride initiative, offering support and psychosocial or medical aid as necessary.
The Pride Village, on the other hand, will host associations that will inform the public about their ongoing fight and current issues relating to the rights of the community.
