ANTWERP PRIDE 2025

The 18th edition (since 2008) of Antwerp Pride takes place from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 August 2025 in Antwerp. This year’s theme is “Do not just march! Listen. Understand. Commit”. Prides are a mix of celebration – parties – and activism and advocacy. For the 2025 edition, the organising committee focuses on belonging. Belonging to the society at large – the ‘outside world’ – but also belonging within the rainbow realm.

On Sunday 3 and Thursday 7 August 2025, Linx+ organises a Queer Walk during Antwerp Pride 2025.

“Antwerp wasn’t always a safe place for queer people, but the community always found ways to come together, speak out and fight for equal rights”, the guided tour is introduced.

“During this walk, we’ll take you along important places in queer history from the 1950s to the present day. Discover how activists, organisations and meeting places contributed to the visibility, acceptance and pride of the LGBTQIA+ community in the city. A walk full of stories of struggle, solidarity and progress.”

“There is a choice of no fewer than two guided walks. In both the station area and the Schipperskwartier, we discover the rich history of the queer community in Antwerp. From countless cafés, bars and discos, to places where the fight was fought for more equal rights.”

The Walks are on Sunday 3 august at 7 PM and on Thursday 7 August at 9 PM. Locations are Koningin Astridplein, Groenplaats and Schipperskwartier.

Practical information.

Linx+

Linx+ is a socio-cultural organisation rooted in a long-standing tradition of popular uplift within the socialist movement. Since its origins, this movement has emphasised not only material support but also intellectual and cultural development, recognising the importance of empowerment long before the term became commonplace.

This philosophy gave rise to initiatives such as the Vooruit (now VIERNULVIER), the Red Falcons, majorette groups, and brass bands—all aimed at promoting socialist values and community solidarity through culture.

A major turning point came in 1963 with the establishment of the Social Promotion Compensation Act, which enabled trade unions, youth organisations, and other groups to focus more actively on social promotion thanks to government support. In 1965, Cultural Central was founded under the auspices of the General Labour Federation of Belgium (ABVV, FGTB).

It placed the cultural development of adults at the heart of its mission, creating departments across Flanders—many of which remain active today.

Initially, the organisation followed a top-down model, providing centrally planned offerings based on perceived needs. However, over time, it shifted towards a more participatory approach, encouraging local departments to help shape the content of their activities. Annual themes were introduced to support this decentralised model.

The early 2000s marked a period of transformation. With the growing influence of digital technologies and changes in cultural consumption, learning and engagement became increasingly individualised.

In response, Cultural Central embraced a bottom-up approach, expanding volunteer participation even to the policy level. This shift brought a greater focus on social, individual, and structural diversity.

In 2003, Cultural Central was rebranded as Linx+, marking not only a new name but also a broader mission. The “+” signified an expansion beyond traditional departments and a deliberate effort to reach wider audiences. Linx+ began forming partnerships with other social actors, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity. The name itself evokes both a left-wing orientation and a drive to connect people and communities.

Today, Linx+ operates as a warm, inclusive network that offers a diverse socio-cultural programme aimed at strengthening society and inspiring people to claim their place in the social struggle.

Drawing on the stories of ordinary individuals who, through collective effort, achieve extraordinary things, Linx+ fosters identity, well-being, and democratic values. Its core values—solidarity, equality, democracy, and justice—are the foundation for all its activities.

Through meaningful and creative leisure initiatives, developed together with volunteers, Linx+ provides opportunities for talent development and interpersonal connection, ensuring fair and equal access for all.

Linx+ remains dedicated to translating the themes of working-class culture and struggle into accessible, engaging activities, continuing the legacy of socialist popular uplift in a modern, inclusive context.

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ANTWERP PRIDE 2025 | Queer Walk on Sunday 3 and Thursday 7 August

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