Engelstalig

• US Olympic Committee excludes transgender women

  Jul 23, 2025 Marc Dirix

  The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has quietly amended its regulations to bar transgender women from participating in women’s sports. With this move, the USOPC aligns itself with Presidential Order 14201, issued in January: Ban men from women’s sports.

  Until now, the USOPC had left decisions about excluding trans athletes up to the national sports federations.
  The amended policy statement was published Monday without announcement on the Committee’s website and was also sent by letter to the national sports bodies. With Trump’s presidential order, trans girls and women are excluded from school and college sports, and restrictions are also imposed on foreign trans athletes who wish to compete in the U.S. As the Olympic and Paralympic Games will take place in Los Angeles in 2028, the new policy would also apply to both events.

  In a press release, the National Women’s Law Center condemned the USOPC’s decision to amend its regulations.

  “The world is watching with alarm at the loss of freedom and opportunity in our country, especially as the United States is expected to host future Olympic events,” said Fatima Goss Graves, President and CEO of the Law Center.
  “The Committee will learn, as so many other institutions have, that there is no benefit in appeasing the endless, shifting, and petulant demands coming out of the White House.”

   

  “By giving in to political pressure, the USOPC is sacrificing the needs and safety of its own athletes. The vagueness of the Committee’s policy will leave athletes unprotected from humiliating sex-testing practices. Athletes will now be subject to intrusive questioning and traumatizing physical exams to prove they are ‘woman enough’ to participate. The USOPC should focus its energy on the real and serious inequalities harming women athletes: fewer opportunities to participate in sports compared to boys and men; worse facilities, coaching, and equipment, putting girls and women at greater risk of injury; and widespread sexual harassment and assault against female athletes.”

  Lees meer

• New cycling competition rules annulled by court for discriminating against trans women

  Jul 23, 2025 Marc Dirix

  The competition regulations for women's races, tightened by an international cycling organization in July 2023, have been ruled discriminatory against trans women by the Brussels Court of First Instance. The ruling follows a case brought by a trans cyclist against the international cycling body and the Belgian cycling federation. The athlete was excluded based on the new regulations, which imposed strict conditions on trans women's participation in female categories. The court found the rules discriminatory and annulled them. The organization must pay moral damages to the athlete. Both organizations can still appeal the decision.

  Until mid-2023, the cyclist met the eligibility criteria for women’s races. The previous regulations required a very low testosterone level for at least 24 uninterrupted months. Since July 2023, however, the rules have changed: trans women must now prove they began transitioning before puberty or, at the latest, before age 12 in order to compete in the women’s category. This change led to the revocation of the athlete’s license and her immediate exclusion from women’s competitions.

  New conditions are disproportionate, unscientific, and unrealistic

  The court held that the new rules create unequal treatment between cis and trans women. For such differential treatment to be lawful, it must pursue a legitimate goal and be necessary and proportionate. While the court acknowledged the aim of fairness in female sports, it found the new rules excessive and unsupported by scientific evidence.

  The court noted that the cycling organization itself had previously warned of the lack of reliable scientific data on the matter and had recognized the need for new research. The organization’s medical director repeatedly stated that current knowledge does not support the claim that trans women retain an advantage from male puberty. The court concluded: “There is no scientific proof that women’s cycling competitions, which include both cisgender and transgender women, pose a threat to sporting fairness.”

  The court also ruled that requiring transition before the age of 12 is unrealistic and effectively excludes all trans women. In practice, it would require the use of puberty blockers from a very early age.

  A landmark ruling for trans cyclists

   

  The court’s order is immediately enforceable and prevents the organization from refusing licenses or participation in women’s races based on these rules. However, the organization may still choose to appeal.

  Lees meer

• Controversy over the organization of the Mister Gay Europe pageant in Amsterdam

  Jul 21, 2025 Marc Dirix

  Controversy has erupted around the Mister Gay Europe competition, scheduled to take place on August 1st in Amsterdam. While the official social media accounts of the event have been introducing the contestants and first jury members, the Mister Gay Europe organization (MGEO) has announced it is severing all ties with YDS Events, the company of Bram Bierkens responsible for organizing the Amsterdam edition. “To our great disappointment, we had to learn through a press release just one week before the event that the 'MGE Office' was ending the collaboration,” YDS Events responded. Despite MGEO’s threat not to officially recognize the winner in Amsterdam, the event will go ahead as planned.

  Mister Gay Europe was first organized in 2005 by Morten Rudå and Tore Aasheim during EuroPride in Oslo. In the years that followed, the event was held in various countries by national organizers under MGEO’s supervision. Two years ago, the competition was put on pause to be reimagined. As a result, Tim Kusters’ title was extended until August this year, and it was announced that the next election would take place in the Netherlands, with a follow-up cruise edition in 2025. Bram Bierkens, known for organizing Mister Gay Belgium, and his company YDS Events were chosen to host the Dutch edition. The grand final is scheduled for August 1st on Dam Square.

  That is, until now. On Monday evening, MGEO issued a press release cutting ties with Bierkens and YDS Events, stating that the Amsterdam event would no longer be recognized as an official Mister Gay Europe competition. Consequently, the winner will not be acknowledged as Mister Gay Europe. The statement claims YDS Events failed to meet contractual obligations, did not sign the license, and refused to share information about sponsorships, financial records, or participant agreements. MGEO also criticized the exclusion of long-time human rights lawyer and jury member Coenie Kukkuk and objected to the reintroduction of the swimwear segment, reportedly included due to a sponsorship deal that MGEO was not allowed to review.

  In response, Bram Bierkens denies the allegations and insists the event will proceed. He blames the communication breakdown on MGEO. “For over a year, we have poured our hearts into preparing MGE 2025 Amsterdam – with a strong program, unique locations, excellent hotel and restaurant partners, and a spectacular final show on Dam Square,” YDS Events stated. “We aimed to build more than just a pageant – we wanted to create a meaningful platform.”

  To protect their work and the future of the project, YDS Events announced they had registered the “Mr. Gay Europe” trademark and logo, which had not yet been officially claimed. “For all involved in MGE 2025 Amsterdam, nothing changes,” said Bierkens. “The event will proceed as planned – with full support from MainStage Pride Amsterdam, former winners, and our growing network of partners.”

  Lees meer

• No fines for participants in Budapest Pride

  Jul 8, 2025 Marc Dirix

  Participants in the banned Pride march in Budapest on June 28 no longer have to fear fines or prison sentences. In a statement, the Budapest police announced that they will not take further legal action against the more than 200,000 people who joined the banned march.

  The announcement came as a surprise. In the days leading up to the parade, police had prohibited the event, citing a law passed in March by Viktor Orbán's government that bans all LGBTQ+ events. Participants in such “prohibited” gatherings risk fines of up to 500 euros. Organisers of LGBTQ+ events face prison sentences of up to one year. Police are also allowed to use facial recognition technology to identify and fine participants.

   

  Eventually, the mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony, declared that Pride was a “municipal celebration” and could not be banned under Hungarian law. The mayor is now himself the subject of a police investigation. Observers see the police’s decision as a new and unexpected defeat for Orbán’s authoritarian policies. The record turnout at the Pride march was also seen as a strong signal of resistance to the government’s repressive stance.

  Lees meer

• UN renews the mandate of the Independent LGBTQ+ Expert

  Jul 8, 2025 Marc Dirix

  The United Nations Human Rights Council has renewed the mandate of the only UN human rights expert specifically tasked with addressing violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons.

  Over the past months, 1,259 NGOs from 157 countries campaigned to renew the mandate, which was first created in 2016. The current resolution was introduced by a core group of six Latin American countries – Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Uruguay – and co-sponsored by 50 countries from across the globe.

  This week, the Human Rights Council voted on the resolution. It was adopted with 29 votes in favour, 15 against and 3 abstentions. As a result, the mandate of the Independent Expert has been extended for another three years. It is currently held by South African scholar Graeme Reid.

  “The renewal of the mandate comes at a crucial time, as the human rights of LGBTI people are under increasing pressure worldwide, including in Europe and Central Asia,” said Chaber of ILGA-Europe. “Despite ongoing attacks on equality, we saw continued support from a significant number of UN Member States for this vital mandate. The renewal also sends an important signal to governments in Europe and Central Asia, where we are witnessing a rise in coordinated attacks on the fundamental rights of LGBTI people, under the guise of protecting tradition or public order – but in reality aimed at entrenching discrimination and silencing dissent.”

   

  Since its creation, three successive mandate holders have carried out official visits to 11 countries and published 17 reports documenting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. These include issues such as the criminalisation of same-sex relations between consenting adults, the need for legal gender recognition, and the situation of LGBTI people who are forcibly displaced. Communications regarding human rights violations have also been sent to 171 States across all regions.

  Lees meer

• Record number of delegations and bilingual livestream at Antwerp Pride 2025

  Jul 4, 2025 Marc Dirix

  Antwerp Pride has unveiled the program for it's 18th edition this summer, which will take place from Thursday, August 6 to Sunday, August 10. The highlight will be the Pride Parade on Saturday.

  This year’s theme is “Do Not, Just March. Listen. Act. Commit.” “The past months have shown that we cannot lean back when it comes to human rights,” says chair Geert van Praet. “Pride is a celebration, but also a moment of awareness and commitment. Political parties, companies, schools, unions, and associations must follow through on their support beyond the festivities. Diversity and inclusion must remain a year-round priority — in the workplace, the classroom, and on the sports field.”

  Visitors are also encouraged to do more than just attend. “Listen to one another. Stand up against injustice, also internationally, and commit to every letter of the LGBTQIA+ community. Human rights are not a pick-and-choose menu.”

  This year, the parade assembly point moves to Hessenplein from 11 a.m. The parade starts at 2 p.m. and moves via Brouwersvliet to the riverfront, ending at the Love United Festival on Ledeganckkaai. A record 87 delegations will participate this year.

  There will be water stations and waste points along the route. As last year, the parade will be streamed live by Antwerp Pride’s media partners. New this year is a dedicated French-language stream with francophone hosts, so all of Belgium can join in.

  At 3 p.m., the Love United Festival opens with two stages and a wide range of DJs. Entry is free. The Pride Village with LGBTQIA+ organizations will also be on site.

  On Sunday, the Closing Festival takes over the Scheldt quays from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. with performances by Sederginne, Level Six, Sylver, DJ Kat and many more.

   

  LGBTQ bars and venues across the city will host special events throughout the week, including the traditional Midsummer Party at Café Den Draak and a spectacular edition of Woodpop at Cargo Club.

  Lees meer

• Darklands announces new dates

  Jul 3, 2025 Marc Dirix

  As announced, the organizers of Darklands have revealed the first details for the next edition of Europe's largest fetish festival. It will once again take place next year at the Waagnatie, but on a smaller footprint than in previous years. Be sure to mark March 3–9, 2026 in your calendar — time to dust off your best fetish outfit(s) for "Darklands Beyond".

  That is the new name under which Darklands will operate in the coming years. For a moment it looked like the Waagnatie might no longer be available, but the iconic venue on Antwerp’s docks will once again be the one and only "place to be". However, due to renovations along the docks, no tents can be set up around the Waagnatie this time. This significantly reduces the available space, which Jeroen Van Lievenoogen and his team will compensate for by building vertically. The organization emphasizes that all levels will remain accessible to those with limited mobility.

  With the announcement of the new dates, ticket sales have officially started. As in previous years, you can choose from a Daytime Festival Pass (€44), an Alpha Madness Pass granting access to the daytime festival and all parties (€139), and the Ultimate Alpha Pass (€234), which includes VIP-deck access and additional perks on top of the Alpha Madness experience.

   

  You can now also buy tickets for the various parties and the HorseFair (act fast, those usually sell out first). Lockers can also be reserved now. More details about the masterclasses and full programming will be released in the coming months.

  Lees meer

• Foreign Affairs updates travel advice for visitors to Budapest Pride

  Jun 27, 2025 Marc Dirix

  The Foreign Affairs Department updated its travel advice for Hungary on Thursday. Visitors to the Pride event taking place in Budapest this Saturday are being warned that they may face fines, as the march through the city center has been banned by the authorities.

  "The Hungarian government, through the Minister of Justice, has announced that the Pride March scheduled for 28 June 2025 is prohibited by law," reads the website of the Foreign Affairs Department. "It remains unclear under what conditions the Pride March will take place. Under Hungarian law, participating in a banned demonstration is, in principle, punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 Hungarian forints (approx. 500 EUR). The law also permits the use of facial recognition to identify participants."

  "In light of the above, we remind you that participation in a demonstration not authorised by the Hungarian authorities is the sole responsibility of the individual participant. We advise potential participants to exercise caution and stay informed about the current situation via the media and the social media channels of the embassy in Budapest. For their safety, participants are especially advised to avoid possible counter-demonstrations and, in case of disturbances, to follow the instructions of the local police."

   

  Lees meer

• Belgian Delegation Travels to Budapest Pride

  Jun 24, 2025 Marc Dirix

  The Belgian LGBTQ+ advocacy group çavaria is heading to Budapest Pride along with a delegation of activists, politicians, and journalists. However, it is still uncertain whether the march scheduled for this Saturday will actually take place. The mayor of Budapest has granted permission, but the police have issued a ban. The Hungarian government recently passed a constitutional ban on public LGBTI+ events, but local activists are refusing to be silenced. Similar delegations are expected from other European countries to help ensure that this Pride does not get quietly cancelled.

  “What is happening in Hungary today doesn’t just affect Hungarian society. It strikes at the core values of the European Union,” says Thomas Jans, spokesperson for çavaria. “With our presence, we express solidarity and also warn that hard-won rights could come under threat elsewhere — including here in Belgium.”

  The situation in Hungary is deeply concerning. For years, Prime Minister Orbán has waged a campaign against equal rights and the visibility of LGBTI+ people. Since April, it has been officially forbidden to organize LGBTI+ events such as Budapest Pride. The right to change one’s legal gender was previously revoked, and a so-called “child protection law” now bans any depiction or discussion of homosexuality or gender diversity for minors. This legislation fosters a climate of censorship, exclusion, and fear.

  Çavaria is calling on Belgian and European policymakers to take a firmer stance against this alarming trend. At the same time, their presence aims to offer encouragement to the Hungarian LGBTI+ community.

   

  To circumvent the Pride ban, Budapest mayor Gergely Karácsony has announced that the city itself will host the event. The çavaria delegation will be on site this weekend to report on the situation and connect with Hungarian activists.

  Lees meer

• Minister Beenders criticizes VRT MAX for giving a platform to homophobic influencer

  Jun 4, 2025 Marc Dirix

  In the Social Affairs Committee, Minister for Persons with Disabilities and Equal Opportunities Rob Beenders (Vooruit) elaborated on his earlier comment regarding the documentary on the homophobic influencer Andrew Tate, which remains available on the VRT MAX streaming platform without any context.
  “Andrew Tate has a significant influence on social media and became particularly well known for his homophobic and also misogynistic statements,” said Beenders. “And it is mainly because of these statements that he has gained such a following on social media, especially among younger audiences. I find that quite concerning.”

  In the documentary, Tate’s statements are shown unfiltered. “Some of the explicit footage is deeply troubling, especially considering the impact it can have on youth. For example, the exploitation of girls to build his company and earn millions is shown uncensored — including clips in which the profits are applauded. In another scene, he presents his lifestyle as the dream of every teenage boy.”

  For Minister Beenders, these messages are problematic, and the documentary offers a one-sided perspective by only using existing footage without critical context or analysis. He is also concerned that the homophobic influencer is being given a platform via VRT MAX until the end of August to spread his homophobic and misogynistic views.

   

  However, media oversight does not fall within Minister Beenders’ remit, and he cannot officially contact VRT about the documentary. “What does fall under my responsibility is the promotion of an inclusive society and a policy focused on equal opportunities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or other protected characteristics. In line with that mission, I will continue to work actively to protect the rights of LGBTI+ people and to combat discrimination and hate speech, both online and offline,” said the minister on Tuesday in the Social Affairs Committee.

  Lees meer