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Brussels’s Pride: celebration of progress and a challenge to politicians
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On the 17th of May Brussels launched its 19th Pride, completed with good weather, political agenda and the celebration of the Eurovision results.
“If god controls the weather, then god is probably gay,” was one of the phrases that was heard around the center of Brussels on Saturday the 17th of May. That day, LGBTI and allies celebrated the international day against homo and trans-phobia and the city of Brussels launched its 19th Pride Parade, entitled Pride4Every1.
The Pride was kicked off with a dance set to “Army Off Me” and some very impressive flag throwing on the steps of the Bourse. The speeches following proved themselves to be of a very political nature, stating that when the first Pride was held in Brussels, the only people that attended were a handful of LGBTI members and their friends and no politicians attending, but today the Pride is almost hundred thousand strong and with a member from almost every party attending. It was demanded that in the elections on the 25th of May, people should cast their vote for equality, supporting only the parties that respect and endorse the fight against discrimination of all kinds. One of the focal points that was thoroughly pressed was the fact that transgender individuals still need to get sterilized in Belgium. Disliked politicians were also prominent in the Pride, with mockery masks of Vladimir Putin wearing make-up being distributed. A specialty in this years Parade was a float titled “Sport
s4All” demanding that more actions should be taken to assure equality in sports and defeat the homo and trans-phobia that still thrives inside the athletic world. Numerous versions of Cochellas made their appearance is the Pride as well, both on and off the floats, giving nods to the Austrian winner of Eurovision that dedicated her victory to the LGBTI community declaring it to be an unstoppable force that would prevail in
the fight against prejudice. Overall the Pride seemed to be a great success. The weather was on the side of the cause making the whole experience a lot more enjoyable after having suffered some rainy days during the last weeks, as was the Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo who tweeted that he was “very proud of the modernity of our country, that defends the values of liberty, respect and tolerance.”
Do you still want more? Here you have our Pride Photo Gallery:
Photo Gallery:Photo Gallery