Experience

BRUSSELS PRIDE 2025 | Pride Week, parade and programme highlights

Posted by Timothy on

The highlight of highlights for prides is the pride parade or Pride March. This year, the Brussels Pride parade is on 17 May. And 17 May is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. IDAHOT or IDAHOBIT. This year, the theme ‘Unite, time to protect our rights‘ will call for a society where everyone’s fundamental rights are respected daily. A powerful and unifying message, more essential than ever in these troubled times when the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community are still too often challenged.. 

But as with many contemporary big prides, pride is extended to week a fortnight or sometimes even a month. In Brussels, capital of Belgium and of the European Union, it’s ten days. But it’s still called Pride Week.

Brussels Pride Week 2025 programme

Brussels Pride Week 2025 offers a rich and diverse programme celebrating LGBTQIA+ culture, visibility, and the ongoing fight for equality. From exhibitions and film screenings to workshops and discussions, there’s something for everyone. Join us as we come together to celebrate, learn, and empower each other.

Noteworthy, because original, is the Job Day on Tuesday 13 May. 

Wednesday 7 May

  • Pride Opening. Charity Fairs & Festivities, Grands Carmes. Free Entry. The opening of Pride Week begins with a militant march. Participants are invited to meet at 6 PM in front of the Ihsane Jarfi mural on Rue des Riches Claires for a moment of commemoration and militant memory. The event will feature artistic performances and speeches from various partners. The march will conclude at Grands Carmes with the launch of the MACS plan, marking the start of ten days of Pride.
  • ‘Nobody’s Son’ – Exhibition. Art Galleries, Grands Carmes.Free Entry. An exhibition of pop art and street art-style paintings, ‘Nobody’s Son’ combines abstract figures and words to express the artist’s journey through the past three years of transition. The exhibition explores themes of self-acceptance and the artist’s struggle with family rejection, incorporating elements of street art and pop culture.
  • Massimadi-Brussels Film Screening, Cinema, Grands Carmes. Free Entry. A screening of the film ‘Madame SATA‘, followed by a debate on the struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ black people. The Massimadi-Brussels Arts Festival invites attendees to engage in discussions about resilience and empowerment strategies, addressing issues of discrimination in the context of declining LGBTQIA+ rights.

Friday 9 May — Sunday 25 May

  • ‘The Art of Becoming through Tales’, Reveries and Mirror Art Galleries, Centre d’Art du Mont-de-Piété. Free Entry. An immersive art exhibition exploring evolving identities through the works of Aleksandra Rowicka and Kristell in Wonderland. This exhibition combines photography, painting, and digital art to reflect on self-construction and gender perception, inviting visitors to reflect on personal narratives and transformation.
  • Housing Conference: Creating Safe Spaces in Reception Centres, Conferences & Conventions, Ukrainian Voices. Free Entry. This event, organised by InQlusions and the Rainbow Refugee Committee, aims to discuss best practices and strategies for creating safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ people in collective reception centres.
  • The i in LGBTQIA+: Understanding Intersex Identities. Conferences & Conventions, Grands Carmes. Free Entry This conference/workshop will explore the often-invisible ‘I’ in LGBTQIA+, with a focus on intersex identities. Aimed at those already familiar with queer issues, it will provide an in-depth understanding of intersex realities and discuss how intersex people navigate inclusion and acceptance.

Saturday 10 May

  • ‘Uurtje DragtUurtje‘. Literature, Flemish library of Sint-Gillis / Saint-Gilles. Free Entry. A literary event celebrating queer storytelling and the power of literature in shaping and expressing queer identities.
  • Initiation IMPRO QUEER. Workshop, RainbowHouse, Marsha P. Johnson Room. Free Entry. A workshop introducing participants to the world of queer improvisational theatre, where participants will explore humour, expression, and performance in an inclusive and creative space.
  • Pride in the City: Guided Tour on the History of LGBTQIA+ Meeting Places. Historical Centre, Museum of the City of Brussels / The King’s House. Free Entry. Attendees are invited to take part in a guided tour that delves into the history of LGBTQIA+ meeting places in Brussels, learning about the city’s evolving landscape of queer spaces.
  • ‘Rainbow Family’ Improvised Theatre Performance. Theatre, Mercelis Theatre. Free Entry. An evening of improvised theatre that explores the dynamics of queer families, providing a space for both performance and reflection on chosen families within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Sunday 11 May

  • Love is Love… and Food by EGB, Events, Rainbowhouse. Free Entry. A celebration of love, food, and community, featuring a delicious array of dishes and the opportunity for attendees to connect with others in a festive, inclusive environment.

Monday 12 May

  • Transidentity Awareness Workshops, Conferences & Conventions, RainbowHouse. Marsha P. Johnson Room . Free Entry. This workshop aims to raise awareness of trans identities and the challenges faced by the trans community. Topics will include gender norms, misconceptions, and human rights issues surrounding the legal status of trans people in Europe and Belgium.
  • Beyond the Screen: Lesbian Visibility and Voices through Film. Documentaries & Reports, Grands Carmes. Free Entry. A screening of ‘LESVIA‘, a powerful documentary about four decades of lesbian gatherings in Eressos, Greece, followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Tzeli Hadjidimitriou. The event will focus on lesbian visibility and the challenges the community faces today
  • Premiere: ‘Famille Choisie‘. Documentaries & Reports, Cinéma Palace. €5 Entry. A screening of the documentary ‘Famille Choisie’, followed by a discussion with the film crew. This documentary highlights the concept of chosen families within the LGBTQIA+ community, exploring personal stories and experiences of love, support, and identity.

Tuesday 13 May

  • ‘No More Ishanes, No More Zaks, No More Hate!’. Cinema, Grands Carmes. Free Entry. A film debate focusing on the homophobic violence and murders of Ihsane Jarfi in Belgium and Zak Kostopoulos in Greece. This session will discuss how to combat hate crimes and build a safer, more inclusive Europe for the LGBTQIA+ community.
  • Job Day. Fairs & Shows, Grands Carmes. Free Entry. An inclusive job fair that connects job seekers with employers committed to diversity and inclusivity policies. Jobseekers will have the opportunity to explore career options, talk to employers, and learn about workplace inclusion.
  • Talk From Homografía Live. Various, Grands Carmes. Free Entry. The radio show Talk From Homografía will record a special live episode from Brussels Pride Week, discussing the themes of Pride, queer representations, and the artistic and activist work being done within the community.

Wednesday 14 May

  • The History of LGBTQIA+ Struggles: Applying Yesterday’s Lessons to Today’s Issues. Conferences & Conventions, Grands Carmes. Free Entry. This conference will explore the history of LGBTQIA+ struggles, examining key moments and lessons from the past. The aim is to apply these lessons to current challenges faced by the community, particularly in the areas of equality and rights.
  • ‘Queerying Nature’. Cinema, Maison Communale de Woluwe-Saint-Lambert – Free Entry. A film screening that explores the intersection of nature and queer identities. This event aims to provide a thought-provoking perspective on how nature and LGBTQIA+ experiences are interconnected.

Thursday 15 May

  • Mini Pride. Charity Fairs & Festivities, Rainbowhouse. Free Entry. Attendees are invited to celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride with fun activities, entertainment, and opportunities to support LGBTQIA+ causes at this vibrant event.
  • ‘Famille Choisie’: Film Screening and Photo Exhibition. Documentaries & Reports, La Vénerie / Espace Delvaux.€4 Entry. Explore the concept of chosen families in this film screening and photo exhibition, offering personal stories and a reflection on the importance of non-biological family structures.
  • Apéro-Arpentage: ‘Sexualities and Queer Dissidence’ by Chacha Enriquez. Workshop, Générale. Free Entry. A workshop discussing sexualities and queer dissidence, led by Chacha Enriquez. This session will explore how these issues intersect with resistance and social change.

Friday 16 May

  • ‘Depuis Longtemps Dénoué•es Il Devrait Se Recoudre’. Literature, Bibliothèque des Riches-Claires. Free Entry. A literary event exploring themes of identity, personal struggle, and transformation within the LGBTQIA+ community.
  • RDV Cosmics Special Brussels Pride. Stand Up, Centre Culturel Ganshoren La Villa. Free Entry. A night of laughter with queer comedy performances celebrating LGBTQIA+ experiences and voices.
  • ‘Veuves Noires: The Musical Comedy’. Musical Comedy, Novum. €30 Entry. A captivating musical comedy that blends music, drama, and entertainment, offering an emotional and entertaining journey through a unique narrative.

Saturday 17 May — Sunday 18 May

  • CAVE – Under The Rainbow. Streaming, Barrio. Free Entry. A special online streaming event celebrating LGBTQIA+ culture, creativity, and expression, as part of Brussels Pride Week.

Tuesday 20 May

  • Brussels Rainbow Seniors Day. Charity Fairs & Festivities, LDC Randstad Molenbeek. Free Entry. A special event dedicated to LGBTQIA+ seniors, offering a space for connection, support, and sharing of experiences. Activities will focus on the needs and challenges of older members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Brussels Rainbow Village, 7–18 May, Saint-Jacques neighbourhood

Brussels Rainbow Village is a network of LGBTQIA+ businesses committed to supporting and promoting the community in Brussels. Founded to create a safe and welcoming environment, the association fosters inclusivity while contributing to the local economy.

Throughout Pride Week, the Rainbow Village organises events and initiatives that raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues and celebrate community life. It also supports LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs by providing resources to help their businesses grow and succeed.

Bourse Stage – Queer Beats, Wild Souls

Located in the heart of Brussels, the Bourse stage is a dreamy, high-energy space where freedom, rhythm, and inclusivity meet. Expect sunny vibes, underground flair, and a truly eclectic mix of music that invites everyone to dance and celebrate diversity.

Line-up:

  • 15:00 – 17:00. Thom Leblanc (Belgium – Belgica, Stammbar).  A staple of Brussels’ queer nightlife, Thom blends house, disco, and soul into emotional, groove-filled sets.
  • 17:00 – 19:00. Mystery Affair (Mexico – Sunday Sunday, Pervert). A queer DJ and producer from Mexico, Mystery Affair delivers hypnotic sets that flow between techno, dark disco, and house.
  • 19:00 – 21:00. David Silver (Germany – Sisyphos). From Berlin, David crafts warm, danceable journeys mixing jazz, funk, disco, and house, with nods to Detroit sounds.
  • 21:00 – 22:30. FreedomB (Spain – Get Physical, Sisyphon). Originally from Madrid, FreedomB brings infectious house grooves designed to move bodies and uplift spirits.
  • 22:30 – 00:00. Norman Weber (Germany – Sisyphos, Luna City Express). A veteran of Berlin’s house scene, Norman closes the night with deep, soulful rhythms packed with feeling.

Lombard Stage – Beats from the Heart

Set in the vibrant Saint-Jacques neighbourhood, the Lombard stage pulses with raw joy and queer energy. It’s a street-level dancefloor where generations and identities meet — a bold celebration of music, pride, and unity.

Line-up:

  • 15:00 – 16:30. Richie4fingers (Belgium – Brother from the same mother). Warming up the crowd with a smooth mix of disco, soul, and house — mellow but full of groove.
  • 16:30 – 18:00. Andrei Stan (Belgium – La Démence, HIM). Known for elegant and organic deep house, Andrei lifts the mood with refined sounds and stylish flow.
  • 18:00 – 19:00. Tony (Belgium – Potiche). The Potiche bar manager hits the stage with drag artists and a punchy pop set full of energy and fun.
  • 19:00 – 20:00. Mario (Belgium – Station BXL). A resident at Station BXL, Mario spins melodic, crowd-friendly techno — perfect for bridging club and street vibes.`
  • 20:00 – 21:00. Dede (Portugal – Rise). A Berlin-based producer with a hybrid sound, Dede’s set merges house, techno, and deep electronic textures.
  • 21:00 – 22:30. Enzio Etchaberri (Germany – Sisyphos). This Berlin-based Dutch DJ crafts mixes of house, electro, and disco, creating a connection between body and rhythm.
  • 22:30 – 00:00. AaguilaA (Portugal – Los Ninos, Fformatt). A powerful closing act from this queer activist and Belgian scene regular — raw, political, and liberating.

Pride March, Pride Village, Pride Concerts

The Brussels Pride website still has to complete the pages regarding the Pride March, the Pride Village and concerts. So head there for more information. 

Safer Space, Saturday 17 may from 13:00 to 23:00, Mont des Art

“At Brussels Pride, we want everyone to feel good, free, respected and safe. That’s why we’re setting up the Safer Pride scheme.” 

In practical terms, this refers to all the security measures, initiatives and resources deployed throughout the event.

Furthermore, a zone entirely dedicated to the well-being of participants will be set up in a strategic location on place de l’Albertine. This is a space supervised by trained professionals and volunteers, specially set up to provide a sympathetic ear, care and psycho-social support in case of need.

“Thanks to the support of Solidaris, the Safer Zone is run by trained professionals and volunteers from Plan SACHA and Modus Vivendi. Volunteers from the SACHA plan will also be moving around the Pride perimeter, identifiable by their fluorescent purple jackets.”

The latest on LGBTQIA+ events such as prides in Belgium