Thousands of people are expected to attend the 26th edition of the Brussels LGBTQ Pride on Saturday 20 May. This year's theme is 'Protect the Protest,' in solidarity with those who march in regimes that crush demonstrations.
Several activities have already taken place in recent weeks, including the Mini-Pride, museum exhibitions and buildings lit up in the colours of the rainbow. On Saturday, the 'Pride Village' will host around 100 associations and partner organisations.
"The Belgian LGBTQ community knows how crucial the rights to associate and to free speech are in order to make progress," said Amnesty International. "These rights must therefore be granted and upheld, in Belgium, in Europe and around the world."
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Homosexuality is still banned in 69 countries, according to the Observatory on Inequality. In 11 of these countries, homosexual relations are even punishable by death. "Pride once started as a protest, and it still is today: a protest against discrimination, hatred and inequality," Amnesty stressed.
This year, 'Safer Pride' zones will also be demarcated to signal transgressive or inappropriate behaviour. Last year, Pride was able to take place again for the first time after a two-year Covid-19 delay, and more than 120,000 participants took to the capital's streets.
