The streets of the Belgian capital will once again be draped in the colours of the rainbow for the annual Brussels Pride on 17 May.

This year, the theme "Unite, time to protect our rights" will call for a society where everyone's fundamental rights are respected daily.

Brussels will kick off the European Pride season: at least 200,000 people are expected in the streets of the capital to defend their rights and celebrate diversity – a necessary demonstration to ensure the protection of the fundamental rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

"This year, the theme of Brussels Pride is 'Unite, time to protect our rights' – a call for unity to defend the rights, freedom, health, identity and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community," the organisation stated on its website. "These fundamental values are increasingly threatened by bans and pressure at Belgian, European and global levels."

Therefore, Brussels Pride is keen to reiterate the importance of defending these rights peacefully and pushing governments to act in accordance with international human rights conventions.

Belgian Pride Festival 2024. Credit: visit.brussels/Mathieu Golinvaux

"It is essential to support everyone, regardless of their origin, gender, religion, culture, skin colour or disability," they said. "The LGBTQ+ community is still too often the victim of violence and discrimination, whether physical, verbal or online. Let's unite, beyond differences, generations and borders, to protect each other."

On Saturday 17 May, the Brussels Pride March will take over the streets of the city centre, while the Pride Village will welcome associations. LGBTQ+ artists and allies will perform on multiple stages set up throughout the heart of the capital. In total, around 100 partners, associations, and artists will collaborate.

The Rainbow Village and its LGBTQ+ venues, located in the Saint-Jacques neighbourhood at the heart of the capital, will be partnering with the event again this year, bringing life to the city's iconic streets throughout the weekend.

Brussels Pride is an inclusive event open to everyone. To ensure that all participants can enjoy the celebration in a safe and welcoming environment, a Safer Zone will be organised. This space will provide a place for anyone to take a break, receive medical assistance if needed, and/or report any inappropriate or offensive behaviour related to their gender and/or identity.

What's on

The celebration is more than just the big event on 17 May. Everything kicks off on Wednesday 7 May with the launch of Brussels Pride Week, which will highlight the recognition of Brussels Pride as part of the intangible heritage of the Brussels-Capital Region, among other things.

Throughout the week, RainbowHouse – the Brussels federation of LGBTQ+ associations – along with various activist and artistic collectives, will be taking over Grands Carmes and other venues to offer a rich and diverse programme of events.

People carry a large rainbow flag at the 'Belgian Pride', a manifestation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender oriented people, Saturday 21 May 2022 in Brussels. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck

On Thursday 15 May, it's time for Mini-Pride. This festive parade will make its way through the streets of the Saint-Jacques district, officially kicking off the weekend celebrations. Along the way, it will pay tribute to the iconic Manneken Pis, who will be dressed in a specially designed costume for the occasion.

The cultural sector will also be participating in the event, featuring LGBTQ+ artists and projects in collaboration with Brussels Pride.

Finally, during Pride Week and Brussels Pride, numerous buildings across the Brussels-Capital Region will be illuminated and decorated in the colours of the rainbow flag. Brussels Pride is much more than a celebration of diversity, it’s a call for inclusion and equality.

"Beyond its festive aspect, Brussels Pride remains, more than ever, a crucial moment to advocate for the rights and demands of the LGBTQ+ community and to reignite political discussions on these essential issues," the organisation said.

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