The capital of Belgium and Europe will come alive on 17 May with the Brussels Pride, the highlight of Pride Week, under the theme “Unite, time to protect our rights,” which calls for a society where fundamental rights are respected daily.
The Pride March will begin at 14:30 from Mont des Arts, marching through the city centre. Its goal is to celebrate diversity, tolerance, and acceptance of all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Delegations from Hungary, Serbia, Italy, and Romania will be represented, according to the organisers.
An estimated 180,000 people are expected to take to the capital’s streets to defend their rights and celebrate diversity.
In addition to the Pride Village and Brussels Rainbow Village, a Safer Zone will be set up at Mont des Arts—providing a calm space staffed by trained volunteers and professionals offering listening services, psychosocial, or medical support if needed.
The Rainbow House, an umbrella organisation for LGBTQIA+ associations in the Brussels-Capital Region, warns that the political landscape in Belgium, Europe, and globally increasingly endangers LGBTQIA+ rights through bans and threats. “Institutional pressure is constant. Brussels Pride is a peaceful reminder to politicians of the importance of defending these rights and urging governments to act in accordance with international human rights conventions.”
