Brussels Pride Week has kicked off
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
