Thousands marched in the capital on Saturday for Brussels Pride, the annual celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community in Belgium.
The organisers estimate a turnout of 250,000 people.
Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Vice Prime Minister Petra De Sutter, and Walloon Minister-President Elio Di Rupo also attended to kick off the colourful parade.
Various political figures have highlighted the festive nature of Pride, but also the continued necessity to fight for the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Credit: Belga
“Our rights are under pressure”, stated Minister De Sutter. “We know far-right organisations aim to threaten the human rights of you, me, everyone here today. We won’t stand by. We’ve all come together today to show that we’re many and we should never be ashamed of who we are and who we love.”
“The far-right is threatening the freedom of LGBTQIA+ individuals,” Walloon Minister-President, Elio Di Rupo, said. “We must continue to fight, in joy and happiness, for everyone’s freedom.”
The theme for this year’s Pride is “Safe Everyday Everywhere”, endorsing a society where everyone, regardless of their orientation or background, can feel free.
