Brussels (Brussels Morning) – Brussels Pride, themed “Safe Everyday Everywhere,” rallies against LGBTQIA+ discrimination and violence. Amid rising challenges, the city hosts vibrant events advocating for inclusivity and equity, supported by progressive policies and international engagement.
Brussels Pride is arranged to honour the LGBTQIA+ community, hosting a rainbow-coloured sensation throughout the capital’s streets. This year’s event, themed “Safe Everyday Everywhere”, calls against all shapes of discrimination, violence or hate crime, encouraging each person’s freedom to live peacefully.
How Is Brussels Pride Addressing Discrimination and Violence?
The Pride celebration comes amid growing harassment and violence against LGBTIQ individuals, especially in Belgium, according to recent European reports. In Belgium, 15% of respondents were attacked in the five years leading up to the survey (compared to the EU average of 13%), while 6% were attacked in the earlier 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, every day,” the organisers said.
The Pride March, the climax of Brussels Pride, will start from Mont des Arts at 2.30 pm, spreading throughout the city centre. Organisers have explained that its aim is “to celebrate diversity, tolerance, and endorsement of everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”
What Events Are Featured in Brussels Pride 2024?
LGBTQIA+ artists and backers will light up the stage at Mont des Arts, while the Rainbow Village and its platforms in the Saint-Jacques district will animate the city centre streets.
Both in Belgium and abroad, the country is adopting a progressive policy towards the human rights of LGBTQ people: in 2023, the Belgian Parliament adopted a new law banning conversion therapy – further advancing Belgium’s legislative framework in favour of the rights of LGBTQ people.
Belgium is also fully engaged at the international level, mobilising its extensive diplomatic network. These Belgian measures within the EU and beyond are part of the federal ‘For an LGBTQ-friendly Belgium’ action plan, which strives to systemically increase the safety of LGBTQ people and maximise their inclusion.
How Is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Involved in Brussels Pride?
In Brussels, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Cooperation is getting involved in this day by arranging in-house meetings on the human rights of LGBTQ people.
The ministry will partake, for the first time officially, in the Brussels Pride, which will take place on Saturday 18 May: a delegation of the Foreign Affairs Ministry will enter the parade alongside that of the European Union.
However, the work will not be restricted to Brussels: Belgian embassies and representations abroad will also be taking part in different events in honour of IDAHOBIT or local Pride marches and will be raising the LGBTQ flag on their facades as a gesture of support.
