As the world prepares to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, aka IDAHOT or IDAHOBIT, new data from Unia and the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men reveals a troubling reality: homophobic violence remains rampant in Belgium, while conservative ideologies continue to rise.
The figures, released ahead of the annual awareness day, underscore the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ communities. Meanwhile, a shocking incident in Turnhout in the province of Antwerp, where a 14-year-old bisexual boy, Maro, was brutally assaulted by peers, has sent shockwaves through the country, highlighting the urgent need for action.
A disturbing rise in reports and cases
In 2025, Unia received 311 reports related to discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, sex characteristics, and medical or social transition, averaging nearly one report per day.
What stands out is the severity of these incidents: half of the reports (151 cases) led to the opening of formal files, a conversion rate far higher than the average for other protected characteristics (24%). This suggests that many of the reported cases involve serious offences, often with criminal implications.
The most common setting for these incidents is public spaces, with 61 files categorised under ‘society‘, including physical attacks in streets and other public areas. Workplace discrimination is the second most frequent domain, with a notable increase in homophobic harassment.
Meanwhile, the ‘media‘ category, primarily encompassing hate speech on social media, remains a persistent issue.
The assault on Maro: a stark reminder of ongoing violence
The recent assault on 14-year-old Maro in Turnhout has brought the issue of homophobic violence into sharp focus. Last Friday, Maro was surrounded by a group of around 20 peers after school, forced to kneel, and subjected to punches and knee strikes to the head.
The attack, which was filmed and shared on social media, was reportedly motivated by his bisexuality. Maro was told to apologise for his sexual orientation before the assault escalated. He sustained a bruised jaw, a bloody nose, and severe headaches, and has since been too afraid to return to school or leave his home.
The public prosecutor’s office in Antwerp has launched an investigation into the incident. Turnhout’s mayor, Hannes Anaf (Vooruit), expressed his shock and condemnation: “I am deeply shocked by the severe violence a 14-year-old boy in our city had to endure because of his orientation. My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim and his family. I hope the perpetrator or perpetrators will be severely punished.”
The incident has sparked outrage across Belgium, with political leaders, including Vooruit chair Conner Rousseau, condemning the attack and the rising tide of homophobia.
The assault on Maro has added a sense of urgency to IDAHOT events planned in Turnhout this weekend. G!F Kempen, a local LGBTQIA+ organisation, had already organised a protest against senseless violence, featuring speeches, a queer city walk, a theatre performance, and information stands.
The rainbow flag will be raised at three locations in Turnhout, City Hall, De Warande, and the Blairon site, on Sunday, as a symbol of solidarity and resistance against hate.
A society growing more homophobic
For De Morgen journalist Paul Notelteirs, the viral footage of Maro’s assault is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a much deeper problem.
“It’s time to call the beast by its name: society is becoming more homophobic”, he writes.
While Belgium ranks fourth in the Rainbow Index for LGBTQIA+ rights in Europe, Notelteirs argues that the index is “colour-blind” to the rapidly deteriorating reality on the ground.
Research shows a worrying trend: acceptance of LGBTQIA+ individuals is declining, particularly among young people. In 2018, 7.4% of Belgian youth found violence against gay people acceptable; by 2023, that figure had risen to 18.3%.
Notelteirs points out that this shift is evident across all subgroups of the younger generation, from the sons of dual-income families in Brasschaat to the children of war refugees.
“Young men from Generation Z hold more conservative views on gender than their grandfathers” he notes.
The case of Maro, forced to kneel and apologise for being bisexual before being beaten, is emblematic of this trend.
Notelteirs criticises the lack of consequences for such acts, as investigations into anti-queer violence often stall, especially when the perpetrators are minors.
He also takes aim at the media’s reluctance to label such incidents clearly: “‘Presumably homophobic‘. How else should we classify the public torture of a bisexual teenager?”, he asks. “As a moment of confusion among young people with a panic fear of words longer than three syllables?”
Notelteirs calls for stricter follow-up on anti-queer violence and a layered prevention plan. He acknowledges the challenges teachers face in discussing gender and sexuality when many students are influenced by figures like Andrew Tate, extremist imams, or other conservative ideologues.
“If the education sector, with support from civil society, does not act quickly, life for queer people will become a living hell”, he warns. He also urges media outlets to reflect on their ethics in sharing such violent footage as ‘rage bait‘ without proper context or condemnation.
Hate crimes and systemic discrimination
Of the 142 cases legally resolved in 2025, hate crimes dominated the landscape. Four out of ten files involved criminal acts, such as assault, battery, and intimidation. Gay and bisexual men were the most frequent targets, though lesbian and bisexual women were also affected.
Beyond physical violence, discrimination in employment, housing, and access to goods and services accounted for 39% of Unia’s cases. A figure that has been climbing year after year. Hate speech, including incitement to hatred, discrimination, or violence, as well as insults and threats, made up 22% of the files. Yet, these numbers likely represent only a fraction of the reality, as many victims choose not to report such incidents to the police or organisations like Unia.
Trans and non-binary communities face invisible struggles
The Institute for the Equality of Women and Men recorded 94 reports of discrimination in 2025 from trans, non-binary, and intersex individuals, covering issues such as medical or social transition, gender identity, and sex characteristics. Additionally, 454 reports were made regarding hateful, transphobic behaviours or statements.
However, these figures barely scratch the surface. A recent study by the Institute found that over 80% of trans and/or non-binary respondents reported experiencing discrimination in the past two years, particularly online, in healthcare settings, or during job searches. The data paints a stark picture of a community under siege, with systemic barriers and societal prejudice exacerbating their struggles.
Legal recognition and the fight for justice
Unia played a role as a civil party in 10 cases of homophobic violence in 2025 and the first quarter of 2026. In nine of these cases, the discriminatory motive was recognised as an aggravating circumstance. A critical step towards harsher penalties and a stronger societal message against such crimes.
In some cases involving entrapment via dating apps, defendants attempted to use the discredited ‘paedophile hunting‘ argument. However, judges consistently rejected this baseless claim, reaffirming the legal system’s stance against such misconceptions.
A polarised climate fuels intolerance
The hostile environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals is further confirmed by a study from the Institute, which found that 70% of trans and/or non-binary respondents believe prejudice and intolerance have increased over the past two years. Negative discourse on social media and in political debates (cited by 84.8% of respondents) is a significant driver of this trend.
The consequences are dire. Lumi, the helpline of Çavaria (the federation of Flemish LGBTQIA+ associations), reported a 15% increase in calls, primarily driven by anxiety and depression. Meanwhile, organisations like RainbowHouse Brussels and Prisme in Wallonia have observed the rise of conservative movements, such as masculinism, on social media. Movements that heighten the risk of verbal and physical violence against LGBTQIA+ people.
Calls for urgent action
In response to these alarming trends, Unia and the Institute are urging politicians and authorities to take immediate, concrete action. Their recommendations include improving support for victims of hate crimes and hate speech, as well as strengthening prosecution efforts, particularly for online offences, which often go unpunished. Specialised training for victim support services, including the police, is seen as essential.
Unia is also advocating for research into the profiles and motivations of perpetrators to develop effective strategies for combating hate crimes. Additionally, they support the introduction of a general framework for alternative punishments, aiming to foster a change in mindset among offenders. The government, they argue, must take a clear stance against hate speech and support prevention strategies rooted in human rights.
Education is another key focus. Unia is calling for ongoing training for educational staff to combat discrimination and prevent violence against LGBTI+ individuals, with the goal of shaping attitudes from a young age.
Els Keytsman De Ronne, director of Unia, emphasised the ongoing nature of the struggle: “The fight against homo- and biphobia is far from over. Unfortunately, we are seeing a rise in discrimination and violence driven by new conservative ideas. We are closely monitoring these developments and supporting victims in legal proceedings when cases are serious and have symbolic significance for society as a whole.”
Liesbet Stevens, deputy director of the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men, echoed these concerns: “Discrimination and violence against LGBTQIA+ people, especially trans and non-binary individuals, remain a worrying reality that is still far too underreported. In a context of increasing polarisation and the normalisation of hate speech, it is urgent to strengthen prevention, victim protection, and the judicial approach to continue safeguarding everyone’s fundamental rights.”
About Unia
Unia is an independent public institution dedicated to promoting equality and combating discrimination in Belgium. If you have experienced or witnessed discrimination, Unia encourages you to report it. Through its expertise, Unia also supports policymakers, lawyers, organisations, and civil society groups working towards inclusion and equality.
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