The hum in the air is undeniable! After two years, the streets of Brussels will finally fill up again with Pride revellers. Valiant online Pride efforts of the past aside, there is nothing like soaking up the upper-plane vibrations of queer togetherness in real life, in real time.
The spirit of Pride has been relit, and none too soon. Though more countries worldwide are pushing for recognition and protections for LGBTQIA+ citizens, the Rainbow Europe 2022 report also notes a significant rise in anti-trans and homophobic legislation or sentiment in countries like the UK, Hungary, Bulgaria, Poland and Romania. And up to 28 out of 49 European countries still provide no protections against sexual orientation-based hate crimes or gender identity. Anti-trans and -gay legislation in the US and the possible reversal of Roe v Wade already have and will further have calamitous effects on the community and far beyond. Human Rights Watch has also recently reported rising anti-LGBTQIA+ violence in Cameroon, Brazil and Iraq while the UN warns that LGBTQIA+ human rights defenders are constantly at risk.
So, honestly, if at this point you’re still giving a stale ‘I don’t mind the LGBT but must Pride be so OTT?’, I suggest you elevate, activate and appreciate - in the words of our queen & saviour, @hal.baddie - yourself into oblivion. Whether you’re one of us or simply with us (talk Valentina!), here’s what to know to get your protest and party on. Make this May (and every other day, tbh) oh so very gay.
The Theme
(c) Andrés Navarro Aguilera for i-D Mexico
This year's Belgian Pride theme is 'OPEN'! Why? The organisers have put it this way: “A call for more inclusiveness, respect and equality for LGBTI+ people. Let's open up to others, to their respect, their consent but also to culture and celebration!” Learn more about the theme here. Then, download your flag and wave it high. We see you and it’s giving!
The Events
Expos, concerts, mixers, screenings and even a real ball: if you’re looking for spaces to gather, enjoy art and queer culture, there should be something just right for you and yours. Get into the gigiana:
’La Théorie du X’ series 3 premiere at Cinema Palace - May 13
Pride @ The Museum at Brussels City Museum - May 15
Erotic self-portraiture workshop with Hilde Braet - May 16
Quentin Isey expo & Blue Davis + Amina 808 + Afro-Rosy concert at Beursschouwburg - May 18
The Sassy Cabaret at Centre Culturel Jacques Franck - May 19
’Outrageous’ feat. Mykki Blanco, Bryn, Cobrah, Tygapaw… at Ancienne Belgique - May 20
Fetish Social Kick-off - May 20
’Flee’ by Jonas Poher Rasmusen avant-premiere at Cinema Palace - May 20
’Doing Pride Right’ with ‘Kelet’ & ‘Femme Queen Chronicles’ at Cinema Aventure - May 20
Cakes da Killa at Beursschouwburg - May 21
For All Queens! Ball (formerly Afropunk Ball) at De Markten - May 21
For All Queens! Pride with Moonchild Sanelly at Ancienne Belgique - May 21
Atelier Philo-Rando philosophy workshop (French-spoken) at La Vénerie - May 22
SNAP! Sex Workers Narratives Arts and Politics festival at Beursschouwburg - May 27-28
The Parade
The beauty of Pride is found in its spectrum of delegations walking the parade trail together. Whether these different factions inspire radiant hope or ‘tomato tomato boo’ feelings within you (looking at political pinkwashing groups here), there’s a spot for everyone. ’Pride is a Protest’ has their own block you may want to join, for instance. There’s also a group of queer parents who walk with their families, or a lesbian-centred community and animal rights or poly groups. The parade starts from the Mont des Arts Pride Village at 2.30 PM on May 21. Find your people and walk tall together.
The Parties
One thing about Pride is we’re going to show up and turn up, okay? These parties will keep the vibes immaculate as you go from day to night after the parade on Saturday. In the ill-fated words of Gigi Hadid at the Met Ball, it’ll be ‘big slay, mama’.
WOODPop Belgian Pride Edition at Plein Publiek BXL - May 21
ȡⱹⱸąṂɐƈƕḯɲɛ (‘Dream Machine’) queer techno party at La Vallée Brussels - May 21
Bar Dansant with DJ Mambele at Au Bassin Brussels - May 21
HAUS: Brussels Pride - May 21
HIM: Brussels Pride Edition - May 21
Kunstenfestivaldesarts Pride Afterparty at Kaaitheater - May 21
CAVE underground Pride party - May 21
La Garçonnière ‘Last Days Of’ Pride Edition ft. Electrosexual, Sheylah & more at Zodiak - May 21
Belgian Pride
Brussels
May 4 – May 21 2022
Info, programming & practical details on www.pride.be
Header image: (c) Michael M. Santiago via Them
As always, if you’re unable or not ready to join Pride festivities in person, please know that we’re out there for you and with you in spirit. 💜
