The streets of Brussels on Saturday were painted in rainbow colours for Brussels Pride 2023, with 150,000 people attending this year's celebration under the slogan: Protect the Protest.
Over 150,000 people joined Brussels Pride, its organisers announced on Saturday evening. Police put the number at 100,000, but stated that people were "coming and going."
Ahead of the event, organisers struck a balance between celebration and demonstration. “Pride is a big party where everyone can be themselves, but there is still a lot to be done to ensure equality for the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Radjiny Schiltz, spokesperson for Brussels Pride.
“This year’s slogan is taken from an Amnesty International campaign to protect the right to protest,” explains Schiltz. “Everyone thinks that this right is guaranteed everywhere, but this is definitely not the case. There is still a lot to be done for freedom and diversity. Everyone should be able to be what they want to be, everywhere in the world,” Schiltz continued.
With Brussels Pride, Belgium opens the European “pride” season. “This year, more than ever, the aim is to ensure that the fundamental rights of the LGBTQIA+ community are respected,” Schiltz stated.
Numerous associations and institutions were present at the Pride Village, located at Mont des Arts. Two stages were set up in the city centre for LGBTQ+ artists. In total, around 100 partners, associations and artists are participating in the event in the streets of Brussels.
A joyful parade also took over the streets of Brussels:
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Brussels State Secretary Pascal Smet in attendance.
All images credited to Belga News Agency / Nicolas Maeterlinck.
