From 4 May to 19 May 2026, the University of Antwerp and universities of applied sciences (hogescholen) are once again joining forces for United*. With flags on campuses and across the city, a kick-off at the United* table in Antwerp City Hall, and a varied programme of activities, they are focusing together on visibility, dialogue, and equal opportunities.
The campaign, an initiative by Associatie Universiteit & Hogescholen Antwerpen (AUHA), involves University of Antwerp, AP Hogeschool, KdG Hogeschool, and Antwerp Maritime Academy. It aims to raise awareness for LGBTQI+ rights and equal opportunities, leading up to IDAHOT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Intersexphobia on 17 May. In a context of rising disinformation and international pressure on the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals, Antwerp’s higher education institutions want to send a clear message: in Antwerp, everyone should be free to be themselves.
Statements from key figures
Herman Van Goethem, chair of AUHA, stated that international developments show that hard-won rights are not guaranteed. He added that this is precisely why Antwerp’s university and universities of applied sciences believe it is important to send a clear message together around IDAHOT: in Antwerp, everyone should be free to be themselves, and higher education institutions have a responsibility to actively create space for this.
On Monday, 5 May, the campaign was launched with a special session of the United* table at Antwerp City Hall. Attendees included Lien Van de Kelder (Vooruit), Alderwoman for Equal Opportunities, Herman Van Goethem, Emma Verhoeven (researcher at UAntwerp), Jef Geuens (lecturer at KdG), Merel Tuteleers (student at AP University of Applied Sciences and Arts), and Geert Potters (Antwerp Maritime Academy).
Lien Van de Kelder, alderwoman for Equal Opportunities for the City of Antwerp, emphasised that extremists worldwide want to reverse progress and are attacking LGBTQIA+ rights.
She noted that even in Antwerp, actions related to LGBTQIA+ were recently dismissed as “absolute rubbish” by a local politician. She declared that one thing is clear: no attack on equality will be tolerated in Antwerp. The City actively fights discrimination and supports various organisations to raise awareness, connect society, and strengthen the LGBTQIA+ community.
She added that they were welcoming Antwerp’s higher education institutions together in their city hall, a place where everyone is welcome. Together, they send one powerful and clear message: in Antwerp, everyone is free to be themselves and can love whoever they want, without compromise.
Campaign visibility and activities
The United* flags, along with posters, are now visible on the campuses of Antwerp’s higher education institutions and at various locations across the city, sending a clear signal of solidarity.
In addition, the partner institutions are organising an extensive programme featuring talks, film screenings, a café evening, various sessions, and even participation in Brussels Pride. The activities are organised by the various AUHA partners but are open to a wide audience. The full programme is available here.
