Brussels Pride Kicks Off Europe’s Pride Season
LGBTQ+ will converge in Belgium on May 20, 2023, for Brussels Pride, the first, if not one of the first, Pride celebrations in Europe. This year will take on a different tone with its “The Belgian & European Pride” and a concerted effort for the community to come together to assert its fundamental right to protest.
In fact, for Brussels Pride, organizers will adopt Amnesty International’s campaign slogan, “Protect the Protest,” touting the act of protesting as a fundamental human right. Per their website, “The LGBTQIA+ movement knows how crucial the freedoms of association and expression are for progress. These rights must be granted or upheld, in Belgium, in Europe, and around the world.”
Pride Week festivities (May 10-19, 2023) will include conferences, debates, and activities that will culminate with the big celebration on Saturday, May 20. After the speeches at Mont des Arts at noon, revelers will take to the streets for the Pride Parade that will end in the city center. The exact route hasn’t been determined yet, but organizers hope to reduce their carbon footprint by bringing back floats this year, but using electric instead of combustion-engine vehicles.
Protestors and revelers alike will have a chance to also enjoy the Pride Village, which will host LGBTQ+ artists on not one, but three stages – a new addition to this year’s celebration! So be prepared to dance until the wee hours of the morning!
Organizers will also set up SAFER Pride spaces in strategic locations to ensure everyone’s safety. Visit Brussels, çavaria, RainbowHouse, Prisme, and the Rainbow Federation will all work together to make Brussels Pride fun, safe, and more importantly inclusive. They are also looking for participants for the parade and Pride Village as well as volunteers.
Inspired to plan a trip to celebrate equality, diversity, and love in Brussels? For more information about Brussels Pride, visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
