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  • Stephen Fry receives honorary doctorate from KU Leuven

    Marc Dirix

    To mark the 600th anniversary of KU Leuven, British storyteller, actor, and television maker Sir Stephen Fry has been awarded an honorary doctorate. The Faculty of Arts honors him for his passion for language and culture, his impressive contribution to public discourse, and his advocacy for open dialogue around mental well-being.

    “Sir Stephen Fry embodies the values the Faculty of Arts stands for,” says Dean Liesbet Heyvaert. “With his sharp pen, vast cultural knowledge, and disarming openness, Stephen Fry demonstrates the power of language. He tackles difficult topics, speaks to both heart and mind, and builds bridges between people.”

    Fry’s brilliant linguistic talent and sharp intellect have captivated and inspired a broad audience for decades. His work addresses socially relevant topics such as LGBTQ+ rights, inequality, and mental health — always giving a voice to those who are rarely heard.

    As a master storyteller, Fry manages to explore complex issues in an accessible way. His modern adaptations of Greek mythology breathe new life into ancient stories for young and old alike. At the same time, he shows how language, science, and technology can strengthen one another in a rapidly changing world.

    “Stephen Fry represents what KU Leuven has stood for over the past 600 years: a critical yet engaged perspective on society, deeply rooted in humanistic values. His voice reminds us of the importance of dialogue, knowledge, and compassion,” says Rector Luc Sels.

    The honorary doctorate was awarded during a ceremony at the Great Hall of the Maria-Theresiacollege. The promoters — Dean Prof. Liesbet Heyvaert and Professors Geert Brône and Geert Roskam — praised his love of language, his storytelling skills, and the way he reaches a broad audience across various media and platforms.

    This is Fry’s first honorary doctorate on the European mainland. In his inspiring acceptance speech, he shared a powerful message for students — past and present:

    “Always remain a student. Just because you leave the walls of this beautiful city and university behind doesn’t mean you should stop learning. Never forget what it means to be an outsider. A heretic, a doubter. Someone who wonders, who searches, who keeps discovering,” said Sir Stephen Fry.

    Photo: KU Leuven-Michael De Lausney

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  • Antwerp Pride calls for action with new theme

    Marc Dirix

    ‘Do not just march, listen. act. commit.’ This call to action is the new theme of Antwerp Pride. It was announced Thursday evening during the official kick-off. The theme reflects the rapidly changing world as we know it since the rise of Donald Trump—jokingly referred to during the kick-off as “the biggest DT mistake in recent years.” The slogan urges everyone not only to join the Pride parade, but also to listen, show solidarity, and (re)affirm their support for the LGBTQ+ community.

    “The new theme is actually a bit of a sequel to last year,” says Wilfried Eetezone of Antwerp Pride. “Last year, we had Many Voices, with many underlying themes. We’ve continued that idea. We also thought about something like ‘Just March’, but the world has become more complex. It’s hard to capture everything in one word, so this year we decided to take a different approach.”

    With this theme, Antwerp Pride aims to send a message not only to companies but also to the wider community. “It’s more necessary than ever,” Eetezone adds. “Especially considering everything that’s happening—not just in the US, but also in Hungary, Poland, and other countries. It’s really time for us all to come together and show what we stand for. And that doesn’t only mean coming to Pride to party. We’ll keep celebrating, of course, but we’re also asking people to take a moment to reflect on what it means to be here, and what you can do in your own environment to ensure that people at risk of discrimination feel safe.”

    Despite the challenging climate, Antwerp Pride president Geert Van Praet sees opportunities. “At first I thought: what is that guy on the other side up to? But it now gives companies a chance to take a stand. Will they continue to support inclusivity, or will they step back? We all know that diversity can’t be stopped. You can slow it down, but consumers have a voice too, and then the story changes. Those who choose not to join us now may win in the short term, but they lose in the long run.”

    Van Praet noted that some sponsors pulled out due to pressure from their American parent companies. At the same time, he welcomed new partners like Microsoft and Disney, and praised long-time supporters like Coca-Cola for going the extra mile this year.

    The Antwerp Pride program is still being finalized. In addition to the usual events such as the Saturday parade and various parties, a few new elements have been announced. This year, responding to requests from rainbow and blended families, Pride Kids will be introduced—a special program for families with young children.

    This year, 83 delegations will take part in the parade. Antwerp Pride will take place from August 10 to 16.

     

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  • Several countries are adjusting their travel advisories for the United States.

    Marc Dirix

    More and more countries are adjusting their travel advisories for the United States following reports that tourists have been detained by immigration service ICE and sent to prisons abroad. After Canada, Germany, Denmark, and Finland are now also warning their citizens. Citizens who belong to a minority group, including transgender and non-binary people, are especially advised not to travel to the U.S. unless strictly necessary. Our country and the Netherlands has also tightened its travel advisory.

    Since returning to the White House, U.S. President Trump has signed several executive orders that have rolled back the rights of the LGBTQ community, particularly those of trans and non-binary individuals. For example, the U.S. government now only recognizes two genders (M/F), transgender soldiers are banned from serving in the military, and access to medical care and medication needed for the transition of underage trans individuals has been restricted or, in many cases, entirely cut off. Trans and non-binary people whose gender marker had previously been changed to reflect their gender identity or to an "X" have also received new passports reverting that change.

    Since Trump’s return to power, mass deportations have resumed of individuals deemed to be living in the country illegally. The government agency ICE operates in a highly arbitrary manner. Anything that can be used as a pretext for deportation is being used to detain individuals and send them abroad, where they are locked up in prisons or disappear into the system. A German citizen residing in the U.S. was reportedly detained for a week, according to his family, and two German tourists spent 46 and 16 days respectively in detention. A French scientist was denied entry into the United States after customs agents found critical messages about the U.S. president on his phone. Canadian actress Jasmine Mooney was also detained at the U.S.-Mexico border and held for twelve days.

    These countries have therefore updated their travel advisories, warning citizens that a criminal record or a passport with a gender marker that differs from the one assigned at birth may be grounds for arrest at the U.S. border and possible deportation. Denmark and Finland also recommend that trans and non-binary individuals contact the U.S. embassy in their home country before traveling.

    This recommendation follows recent policy changes under the Trump administration, which recognizes people only by their biological sex and not by their gender identity.

    Update March 25: Belgium has also updated its travel advice.

     

    “The FPS Foreign Affairs and the Belgian embassy and consulates in the United States are closely monitoring the situation. The current travel advice already warns about the varying attitudes toward individuals from the LGBTQI+ community, which may differ from state to state,” says Foreign Affairs, which refers to the Human Rights Campaign website for more information about the stance in the different states.

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  • FAQ: What are poppers and how do they work

    Marc Dirix

    Poppers are liquid chemical substances based on alkyl nitrites (such as amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, or isopropyl nitrite) that are inhaled to produce a short-lasting, euphoric effect. They are often used as a recreational substance in party scenes and within the LGBTQ+ and fetish communities, particularly due to their muscle-relaxing effects, including the smooth muscles of the blood vessels and the anus.

    Historical and Cultural Role

    -Rise in the Gay Scene (1970s & 80s)

    Poppers became popular in gay nightclubs and sex clubs during the 1970s, a period marked by sexual liberation following the Stonewall riots. They were cheap, legal, and easily accessible.

    -Use During the HIV Crisis (1980s & 90s)

    During the HIV/AIDS crisis, there was debate over the potential impact of poppers on the immune system. However, no direct link between popper use and HIV infection has ever been scientifically proven. Despite the controversy, poppers continued to play an important role in sexual expression and freedom within the gay community.

    -Modern-Day Use (2000s to Present)

    Poppers are still widely used today — in club scenes, saunas, and among the fetish and BDSM community. They remain especially popular among gay and bisexual men, but are increasingly used by heterosexual individuals as well.

    How Do Poppers Work?

    When inhaled, poppers cause blood vessels to dilate and trigger a rapid increase in blood flow, resulting in:
    -A brief euphoric sensation
    -Muscle relaxation
    -Heightened sexual sensation
    - A temporary drop in blood pressure, often accompanied by a feeling of warmth or dizziness

    The effects usually last 30 seconds to a few minutes.

    Are Poppers Legal?

    The legality of poppers varies by country:

    • In Belgium and the Netherlands, poppers are not classified as illegal drugs, but they may not be sold for human consumption. That’s why they are often marketed as "VCR cleaner" or "liquid incense."

    • In the United States, certain types of poppers are banned, depending on individual state laws.

    • In the United Kingdom, poppers are not banned, as they do not fall under the Psychoactive Substances Act.

    Are Poppers Dangerous?

    While poppers are relatively safe when used in moderation, there are some health risks to be aware of:
    -Dizziness & headaches: The sudden drop in blood pressure can cause lightheadedness.
    -Skin & nasal irritation: Direct contact with the liquid can lead to irritation or chemical burns.
    -Dangerous combination with erectile dysfunction medications: Poppers combined with substances like Viagra (sildenafil) can cause a potentially life-threatening drop in blood pressure.
    -Excessive use & psychological dependence: Some individuals use poppers habitually during sex, which can lead to psychological reliance.

    Conclusion

    Poppers have a long-standing history within the gay community, especially in party and sexual settings. They are used for their relaxing and euphoric effects, which can enhance sexual experiences. However, responsible use is important to minimize health risks.

     

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