ANTWERP PRIDE 2026

2026 marks the nineteenth (19th) edition of Antwerp Pride. From Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 August, Antwerp in Belgium will once again be taken over by rainbow vibes. Prides are a mix of celebration – parties – and activism and advocacy. For the 2026 edition, the organising committee focuses on fearing less and being fearless.

Antwerp Alderwoman for Culture, Work, Equal Opportunities and International Solidarity Lien Van de Kelder (Vooruit) has described this year’s Antwerp Pride theme, ‘Fearless‘, as a call to defend LGBTQIA+ rights at a time when they are increasingly coming under pressure both internationally and in Belgium.

At the traditional Antwerp Pride July press conference, Van de Kelder took inspiration of New York Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (D), who described his city as a sanctuary and a refuge. For Van de Kelder this translate for Antwerp being a “vrije plaats“, a “free space”.

In a foreword to the 2026 Antwerp Pride Magazine, Van de Kelder says Pride remains a celebration of love and community, but argues that it has also once again become a form of resistance.

“Pride is celebration. Pride is encounter. Pride is love. But Pride is also – today perhaps, unfortunately, more than ever – resistance,” she writes.

According to Van de Kelder, the Fearless theme reflects concerns shared by many within the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Internationally, we see LGBTQI+ rights being dismantled: laws that silence people, rainbows being banned, sexual orientations becoming the subject of blunt power politics. What once seemed acquired is now openly being reversed. This is not happening quietly, but loudly, legitimised by leaders who sow fear and eagerly magnify differences.”

At the same time, she points to what she considers a positive development at European level, highlighting the European Court‘s decision to strike down Hungary‘s 2021 so-called anti-homopropaganda law.

“Under the guise of child protection, that law stigmatised LGBTQI+ people and violated fundamental European values such as non-discrimination and the protection of minorities. The ruling compels Hungary to permanently abolish that law.”

Van de Kelder also warns that the social climate is changing in Belgium.

“The climate and the discourse are also hardening here. Hate speech has become the new normal. Online radicalisation is seeping into school playgrounds. Young people are once again being told that they are ‘wrong’. That their identity is an opinion. That their rights are negotiable.”

She says this is why the ‘Fearless’ theme matters.

“Fearless means: no pasarán… It means refusing to give up ground step by step. It means clearly stating: human rights are not a fashion, not a luxury. They apply always, fully, to everyone. Even when that creates friction. Especially then.”

The alderwoman says Antwerp intends to continue pursuing an inclusive policy through its ‘Everyone an Antwerp Citizen‘ strategy and its Stop Intimidation and Discrimination campaign.

“Whoever lives here belongs here. Fully. Without fine print, without exceptions. That commitment also applies to people who identify outside traditional boxes of gender and sexuality. Because love is love.”

Van de Kelder also refers to security concerns surrounding Pride, saying last year’s events demonstrated the importance of ensuring that the festival remains a safe space.

“Pride reminds us that visibility needs protection. The events during the previous parade painfully demonstrated what happens when far-right provocation is given space and challenges safety. Pride is not a platform for intimidation, but should above all be a safe space, a stage for emancipation. That is not a non-binding wish; for me, it is a political responsibility.”

She argues that protecting LGBTQIA+ rights also requires long-term investment in community organisations and support networks, citing Het Roze Huis, the Anno initiative, Bazzz vzw, GEMMA and Wel Jong, as well as future initiatives aimed at making elderly care more inclusive.

According to Van de Kelder, building connections across society has become increasingly important.

“Connection is no longer a soft choice nowadays. It is a radical choice in times of polarisation. To prevent religion, heritage and identity from being hijacked by exclusion, and instead to stand diametrically opposed to it. No one becomes less because someone else is visible.”

She concludes by saying that ‘Fearless’ is a collective commitment shared by volunteers, organisations, partners and the city itself.

“We become fearless together. With volunteers. With organisations. With partners who choose diversity and inclusion. And with a city that clearly says: we do not chip away at the achievements and rights of equality.”

Addressing LGBTQIA+ people directly, Van de Kelder ends with a message of reassurance.

“If you are wondering whether your place is once again being threatened or questioned: not here. Not in this city. Not with us. We are here. We are staying here. Everyone an Antwerp Citizen. Fearless — and determined.”

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