Yes, even in 2021 we still lived in pandemic times. Seeing friends means having walks. Bram lives in the Schaerbeek (Schaarbeek) borough of Brussels and in January he took me to Josaphat Park and residential Schaerbeek.
Tag: COVID-19
ANTWERP | Red Star Line Museum of (e)migration
January 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic is still very present, as are coronavirus countermeasures. Museums are open though. So I found it appropriate to visit the Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp. The subjects? The Red Star Line, migration and emigration, travel and hygiene and diseases. Topical, don’t you think?
ANTWERP | Darklands 2022 set to go ahead as scheduled on 4 to 9 May
After a cautions new year’s message, Darklands has changed its tone on social media, showing confidence.
Passenger Locator Form to mostly disappear, except if you enter Belgium from outside the European Union, including stopovers
On Friday 4 March 2022, the Consultative Committee of Governments in Belgium has announced a major relaxation of coronavirus countermeasures in the Kingdom under Code Yellow. You will only need to wear a face mask on public transport (train, tram, bus, metro) and in hospitals or other collective care facility. This ‘almost back to normal’…
Belgian Pride 2022 set for parade on Saturday 21 May after easing of coronavirus countermeasures in Belgium
The Belgian Pride has finally broken silence. Less than three months in advance, the organisation has announced Saturday 21 May as a date. “The Belgian Pride Parade 2022 will be held in Brussels on the 21st of May. More info soon.”
Political and governmental homophobia and transphobia in Europe not necessarily backed by public opinion
A report from ILGA-Europe, the leading LGBTQI organisation in Europe and Central Asia finds that amid a rise in official anti-LGBTI rhetoric fuelling a wave of hate crime in every country in Europe, there is a growing institutional resolve to tackle hatred and exclusion.
Utrecht 2021
July 2021. A week after my Eindhoven escapade featuring the DAF Museum and a night at Hotel Mariënhage, I travelled to Utrecht for a culinary weekend with Steve. At that time, the Netherlands were very liberal concerning coronavirus countermeasures. That was both concerning and liberating at the time.
COVID-19 and Anti-LGBTQI initiatives make queer life harder in Europe
A survey of LGBTQI organisations across Europe and Central Asia finds they face significant challenges in the face of growing anti-LGBTQI forces, and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. ILGA-Europe conducted a survey with LGBTI organisations across the continent.
Darklands 2022 hints at postponement
In a New Year’s message, Darklands master Jeroen Van Lievenoogen hints at a postponement of the 2022 edition. Not unrealistic, with the COVID-19 pandemic still very present and the omicron variant a party pooper.
2022: continuation or progress?
On January 1st, 2021 we wrote “2021 a fresh start or a transition year?“. It seems like neither of those. A fresh start? Not really. 2020 and 2021 felt very similar. Transition? It implies 2022 would be like 2019. And that seems unlikely. Unfortunately, in 2022 COVID-19 will remain the main talking point.