Engelstalig

• KU Leuven develops method to make HIV viruses permanently harmless

  May 22, 2025 Marc Dirix

  The KU Leuven research team led by Professor Debyser has achieved a breakthrough in the treatment of the HIV virus. The researchers developed a new therapeutic method that disables the virus permanently. As a result, patients would only need to take medication for a limited time. The new findings were published in Nature Communications.

  In the 1980s, an HIV diagnosis — the virus that causes AIDS — marked the onset of a pandemic that severely affected the gay community. Over the years, thanks to the development of current HIV medications, the number of deaths has significantly declined and the disease is now suppressed. Yet, 600,000 people worldwide still die each year due to HIV-related causes. “The development of HIV medication was a major leap forward, and the number of new infections has drastically dropped. Despite that, we are still dealing with a pandemic,” says Professor of Molecular Medicine Zeger Debyser. “Moreover, current medication suppresses the virus instead of destroying it, leaving patients dependent on treatment for life.”

  The KU Leuven team has now discovered a method to not only suppress the virus but make it permanently harmless, meaning patients could fully recover and no longer require lifelong treatment. Because current HIV medication must be taken for life, the stigma remains. With this new approach, which eliminates the virus entirely, treatment would only be needed for a limited period.

  Several years ago, Professor Debyser's team already made headlines by disabling the virus’s “GPS system.” “Viruses integrate into specific locations in human DNA, where they hijack our cells to produce as many virus particles as possible,” Debyser explains. “In earlier research, we managed to disable that GPS system, forcing the virus to integrate into random — and less favorable — locations, making it harder for them to spread.”

  That method is currently being tested in patients, but it is not always 100% effective. “Sometimes, the virus accidentally ends up in a favorable location in the DNA and can still spread,” explains researcher Eline Pellaers.

  “It’s like sending someone into a city by car without GPS, looking for a specific parking spot. They might find a spot by chance — not the one they were looking for, but good enough to park and enter the city.”

  The team then looked for a way to eliminate this randomness so that all patients could benefit from the treatment. By tagging the viruses with a barcode, they identified where persistent viruses integrate into the DNA. The new study focused on blocking access to those spots.

  “The new approach is based on combination therapy: the first drug disables the car’s GPS so it can’t find the optimal parking spot, and the second drug closes all the other gates so it can’t park anywhere,” Debyser explains.

  The major advantage is that the virus particles are put into a deep sleep and can no longer be reactivated. “Unlike current therapies, which only induce a light sleep in the virus, this one renders them completely harmless. Patients can stop treatment after a period without worrying about getting sick again or infecting others,” Pellaers concludes.

   

  This research was conducted on human cells in a laboratory setting. The first treatment using the GPS inhibitor is already in the clinical phase, but further research is required before the combination therapy can be tested in patients.

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• Russian court fines Apple over LGBTQ propaganda

  May 21, 2025 Marc Dirix

  A Russian court has fined Apple nearly 83,000 euros, accusing the American tech giant of committing three violations of the LGBTQ propaganda law adopted in 2013. This was reported by the press service of the Moscow court.

  Apple received three administrative fines for allegedly promoting “non-traditional sexual relationships.” Since the individual cases were handled behind closed doors, the exact nature of the violations is unknown. For each case, Apple was fined 2.5 million rubles (27,666 euros).

  Russia's 2013 law bans the dissemination of information about homosexuality or the depiction of LGBT people in the media in the presence of minors. In 2022, the law was tightened and extended to apply to all Russian citizens, not just minors. As a result, organizing LGBT events or depicting homosexuals in media or advertising is now forbidden. Any activity perceived as promoting a homosexual lifestyle — such as education, films, events, or books — now falls under the label of “gay propaganda” and can be punished with fines starting at 6,000 euros for individuals and up to 80,000 euros for companies, NGOs, and other (foreign) organizations.

   

  Last year, the Russian Supreme Court declared the “international LGBT movement” an extremist organization. According to the judges, the activities of LGBT organizations cause “social and religious unrest” and violate laws prohibiting extremism.

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• Over 70,000 participants at Brussels Pride

  May 18, 2025 Marc Dirix

  Around 70,000 people took part on Saturday afternoon in the centre of the capital in the 29th edition of the Brussels Pride parade. The full event attracted 220,000 visitors. This year’s theme was: “Unite, time to protect our rights.” The march was mostly peaceful, except for an incident involving the N-VA party’s float being pelted. Two people were arrested by police, who walked alongside the political party’s float with dozens of officers in riot gear.

  During various speeches from the stage at Mont des Arts, speakers called for the protection of LGBTQ+ rights, which are under increasing pressure worldwide. Reference was made to the ban on Pride events issued in Hungary last month. A Budapest Pride delegation called on the European Commission to take action.

  “If the Commission does not suspend the law banning all LGBTQ+ demonstrations in Hungary, other Eastern European countries will follow suit,” said Viktória Radványi, chair of Budapest Pride, in an interview with VRT NWS.

  “If the Commission fails to act, it is complicit in the restriction of basic rights of European citizens.”

  The parade proceeded without major incidents. However, from the start of the march, a heavy police presence in riot gear had positioned itself around the N-VA float, and followed it throughout. Still, at the Place de la Monnaie, the float was hit with empty bottles and paint.

  About twenty activists were removed from the parade by police for “hindering the progress of the procession,” according to authorities.

   

  The protest was organised by a group of queer activists who denounce the political and commercial co-opting of Pride, at a time when the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community and other minorities are increasingly under threat worldwide.

   

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• Belgium backs UN LGBTQI+ expert’s mandate

  May 17, 2025 Marc Dirix

  Belgium will support the renewal in June of the mandate of the United Nations Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. This was announced by the Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT).
  In a press release, the authorities confirm that Belgium will continue to promote and defend the human rights of LGBTQI+ people, both nationally and internationally.

  This commitment is reflected, according to the government, in active participation in multilateral coalitions, bilateral dialogues with like-minded states, and broader international cooperation. For that reason, Belgium will also support the renewal of the mandate of the UN expert on sexual orientation and gender identity.

  In 2024, the Belgian diplomatic network made a significant contribution to the implementation of the National Action Plan “For an LGBTQI+-Friendly Belgium”, of which 95% of the measures have already been implemented or are currently in progress.
  “Our embassies and consulates around the world will continue to actively support civil society initiatives upon request,” the institutions state.
  “Our diplomatic and consular posts will remain safe spaces for LGBTQI+ individuals and will support local and national initiatives, including by participating in awareness and advocacy events, such as Pride marches, in cooperation with the authorities of the respective countries.”

   

  Belgium also strongly regrets and condemns the resurgence of discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ people, including within Europe.
  “Far too often, LGBTQI+ individuals are still targeted with violence, intimidation, stigmatization, and disinformation campaigns that incite hatred. We call on states to reject hate speech, discriminatory behavior, and all forms of violence. We firmly state that sexual orientation and gender identity can never be used to justify human rights violations.”

  photo: Pixabay

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• Belgium Climbs to Second Place on ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map

  May 14, 2025 Marc Dirix

  Belgium now ranks second in ILGA-Europe’s annual Rainbow Map, scoring 85%. The country surpasses Iceland (84%) and trails only Malta, which maintains the top position with 89%. Denmark (80%) and Spain (78%) complete the top five. The United Kingdom, Georgia, and Hungary have each dropped six to seven places in the rankings.

  The Rainbow Map assesses the legal and policy landscape for LGBTI people across 49 European countries, using 75 criteria divided into seven categories: equality and non-discrimination, family, hate crime and hate speech, legal gender recognition, intersex bodily integrity, civil society space, and asylum.

  Belgium's advancement is largely attributed to the adoption of laws that strengthen penalties for hate crimes, particularly those targeting trans individuals. This places Belgium among a group of countries—including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ireland, the Netherlands, Scotland, and Sweden—that have similarly enhanced their legislation in this area.

  Among its neighbors, Belgium outperforms Germany (69%), Luxembourg (68%), the Netherlands (64%), and France (61%). However, ILGA-Europe warns of the rise of far-right movements threatening LGBTQ+ rights, even in traditionally progressive countries like Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands.

  Katrin Hugendubel, Advocacy Director at ILGA-Europe, notes:“The big headlines about the UK and Hungary draw attention, but democracy is being eroded quietly across Europe, like a thousand paper cuts. Centre and far-right actors in the EU are targeting NGO funding to weaken organisations that defend rights, while at the national level we are seeing laws introduced that do not address any genuine societal need but are designed purely to marginalise. Hungary’s constitutional amendment stating that ‘the mother is a woman and the father is a man’ and that ‘gender is defined by birth’ is a clear example.”

   

  Germany has also moved up three places, thanks to the Self-Determination Act that came into effect in November 2024. This law allows trans people to change their legal documents without invasive requirements, such as a mental health diagnosis. With a score of 69%, Germany now shares the eighth position with Greece and Norway, marking its highest-ever ranking in the index.

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• An increasing number of hate crimes against LGBTI people

  May 13, 2025 Marc Dirix

  In 2024, more than one-third of hate crimes reported to Unia and the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men targeted LGBTI individuals. Unia closed 136 cases related to sexual orientation, surpassing those concerning other protected characteristics such as race or religion.

  Among these cases, 35% involved homophobic, lesbophobic, or biphobic acts. Over a third involved physical assaults, with a similar percentage involving serious intimidation. Perpetrators are often young men targeting other men, sometimes through dating apps like Grindr.

  In at least eight instances, victims were lured, insulted, threatened with knives, assaulted, and extorted. The suspects will appear before the Brussels Correctional Court on May 14. Unia has joined this case as a civil party, as it has in ten other homophobic aggression cases since early 2024.

  “These attacks send a hostile message to an entire community. Unia informs the courts so that the discriminatory motive is considered an aggravating circumstance,” emphasizes Els Keytsman, director of Unia.

  Transgender Individuals Particularly Targeted

  The Institute handled 74 cases in 2024 related to medical or social transition, and 80 concerning gender identity. Transgender individuals are frequently discriminated against in the workplace (47 reports), as well as in the insurance and healthcare sectors.

  Anti-gender rhetoric on social media and in the media challenges their legitimacy. Hate is sometimes expressed subtly, through humor or parody, contributing to a transphobic climate.

  Reports concrning intersex individuals account for less than 1% of cases received, indicating a lack of public awareness. Yet, five children are born each day in Belgium with variations in sexual characteristics. This ignorance fosters intersexfobia, sometimes pressuring parents into consenting to unnecessary medical interventions.

  Encouragement to Report Incidents

  Unia and the Institute encourage victims and witnesses of discrimination, hate speech, or hate crimes to file a complaint with the police, where a specific report will be prepared.

  However, victims of homophobia, biphobia, or transphobia often hesitate to file complaints due to fears of coming out, being poorly received, stigmatized, or that their complaint may impact their private or professional lives.

  According to a European study, only 14% of LGBTI+ victims in Belgium report incidents to the police, indicating underreporting. Reports can also be made to Unia or the Institute, which provide support to victims.

  Call to Authorities

  During the previous legislature, each level of government developed its own action plan against LGBTI-phobia, leading to fragmented efforts. Unia and the Institute advocate for an ambitious interfederal action plan that enhances cooperation among various levels of government.

   

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• Brussels Pride Week has kicked off

  May 8, 2025 Marc Dirix

  On Wednesday evening, the annual Pride Week in Brussels kicked off with a mini-pride march through the city centre. During the demonstration, which gathered around a hundred participants, attention was drawn at various stops to the ongoing attacks against the LGBTQ community – especially the trans community – which have intensified in recent years. This year’s Brussels Pride theme is: “Unite, time to protect our rights.”

  The mini-pride began at the mural honouring Ihsane Jarfi, a man from Liège who was murdered in 2012 because of his sexual orientation. After several speeches, the participants marched behind the rainbow flag and flags representing various communities – including the trans flag – to the LGBTQ+ monument at the corner of Rue du Marché au Charbon and Rue du Plat d’Étain. More speeches were held there. From there, the group continued to the LGBTQ community centre Le Grand Carmes, where many events are scheduled throughout the coming week.

  The mini-pride marks the official start of a week full of events, culminating in the Pride Parade that will take place next Saturday in the heart of Brussels. More than 180,000 participants are expected to attend.

   

  Before that, over 60 activities are scheduled, including talks, concerts, film screenings, exhibitions, and various workshops.

  Photo: GayliveBe

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• Police raid well-known LGBTQ+ bar in Pittsburgh

  May 8, 2025 Marc Dirix

  Last Friday, the police in Pittsburgh raided a well-known LGBTQ+ bar, the P Town Bar, during an ongoing drag show. According to the owners and present customers, the surprise inspection was reminiscent of the police raids on LGBTQ+ venues in the 1960s and 70s.

  Around twenty officers, including several undercover agents, took part in the raid, which began around 11:30 p.m. Customers and staff were forced to wait outside while the police searched the entire building. According to the owners, several agencies were involved, including the fire department and public health services, and all permits were checked. The venue’s managers explained that the inspection was related to a recent renovation and a renewed permit application.

  Despite this explanation, many customers felt targeted and unfairly treated by the police. They had to wait for about half an hour in heavy rain before being allowed back inside. The authorities of Pittsburgh stated that the raid had not been authorized and have launched an investigation.

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• Trans women banned from women’s football in the UK

  May 5, 2025 Marc Dirix

  As of June 1st, trans women will no longer be allowed to play on women’s football teams in the United Kingdom. This decision was made by the English Football Association (FA) following a ruling by the High Court. The court ruled last month that, from a biological standpoint, trans women cannot legally be defined as female, and therefore may no longer access public facilities designated for women.

  Several British organizations, including the FA, have begun updating their internal regulations in response to the ruling.Transgender football players have condemned the FA’s decision to ban trans women from women’s football, calling it uninformed.

  The bank Barclays also announced this week that, starting June 1st, trans women will no longer be permitted to use women’s restrooms in its buildings

  Photo: Pexels

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• Leuven to host another Pride this autumn

  Apr 29, 2025 Marc Dirix

  After the success of the first edition of Leuven Pride, a second edition is coming this September. It will take place on Saturday, September 27, as announced by the organizers UniQue and Queer Leuven.“After the powerful edition in 2024, we are continuing to build a tradition of visibility, love, and activism,” the Leuven Pride social media channels stated.

  On October 10 of last year, the first pride parade marched from Leuven Station to the Saint Peter’s Church at the end of Bondgenotenlaan. No fewer than 1,200 activists joined the parade. The success also surprised UniQue chairwoman Ingrid Pelssers:

  “We thought: 400 would be normal, 500 would already be a huge success. But there were about 1,200 people here. It was such a long procession — we never expected that. So yes, truly a success.”

  It was therefore written in the stars that a second edition of Pride in Leuven would happen. This year, the event will move to a Saturday instead of a weekday.

  The familiar format will not change, according to both organizations.“No large floats, but a combative and festive march that goes back to the roots of Pride. Cargo bikes, flags, and glitter (biodegradable if possible) are more than welcome.”

  After the march, participants can once again head into the city for an afterparty that will take place at various locations. More information about the program will be announced soon.

   

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