'We will not hide again': LGBTQ+ community hopes for massive presence at Antwerp Pride parade

In the wake of a recent attack at Berlin Pride, the LGBTQ+ community in Antwerp is calling for a massive turnout at the Antwerp Pride parade, emphasizing that visibility and solidarity are more critical than ever. The Antwerp Pride event, which has been ongoing for several days, features rainbow flags displayed prominently throughout the city, including on the iconic Boerentoren.

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What happened there touches us deeply and is a painful reminder that we must remain vigilant. But fear must never triumph.

Kat Van Nuffel, chair of Het Roze Huis, an organization representing Antwerp's LGBTQ+ community, stated that the events in Berlin are deeply affecting and serve as a stark reminder to remain vigilant. However, she stressed that fear should not prevail. "What happened there touches us deeply and is a painful reminder that we must remain vigilant," Van Nuffel said. "But fear must never triumph."

The theme for this year's Antwerp Pride, 'Fearless,' directly addresses the need to overcome intimidation. Marcia Poelman of the Antwerp Queer Arts Festival noted that the Berlin incident only strengthens the resolve of the community to take to the streets in Antwerp. "People refuse to be intimidated and realize that by being visible together, they send a powerful signal," Poelman explained.

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People refuse to be intimidated and realize that by being visible together, they send a powerful signal.

Mister Gay Belgium, Imran Nawaz, expressed confidence in the police's ability to ensure safety and urged everyone to attend the parade. "I will not walk around the parade with enormous fear," Nawaz stated. "I want to call on everyone to be present this weekend." He added that while fear is more present among friends and family of LGBTQ+ individuals, many are responding to the Berlin attack by increasing their commitment to attend, not by staying home.

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I will not walk around the parade with enormous fear. I want to call on everyone to be present this weekend.

Poelman also acknowledged that daily aggressions, both online and offline, contribute to the existing fear within the community, and that these incidents have increased in recent years. "We have come a long way in a country like Belgium and have gained many rights," Poelman said. "You feel that these rights are under pressure, but fortunately, there is a lot of activism and resilience within our community to stand up against it. A large-scale and visible event like Pride is important." She also highlighted the need for supportive policies to strengthen the LGBTQ+ community.

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We have come a long way in a country like Belgium and have gained many rights. You feel that these rights are under pressure, but fortunately, there is a lot of activism and resilience within our community to stand up against it. A large-scale and visible event like Pride is important.