After years of operating as Casa Rosa, Ghent’s LGBTQIA+ community hub has officially adopted Magenta – Regenbooghuis Gent as its new name. The rebranding, supported by nearly 70% of community members in a survey, signals a transformative moment as the organisation secures city funding and prepares to expand its impact.
The decision to adopt the name Magenta followed an extensive consultation process. In a survey that drew 92 responses, 69.6% of participants backed the change, with 56 voting explicitly for Magenta and 8 supporting both proposed options. Only 24 participants, or 26.1%, opposed the rebranding, while four offered alternative suggestions. The organisation noted that two people had expressed interest in further discussion, though no one ultimately contacted them about the participation process.
The rebranding coincides with Magenta’s recent approval of crucial city subsidies—a decision that sparked a heated debate in Ghent’s city council on 28 April. The funding for the organisation, still known at the time as Regenbooghuis Gent, became the center of a political storm when Ywein Joris, a newly sworn-in Vlaams Belang council member who is openly gay, voted against the subsidy.
Joris shared a personal story of anti-LGBTQ+ harassment he and his boyfriend experienced in Ghent’s city center, where they were verbally abused by three young men. While acknowledging they escaped physically unharmed, he argued that such incidents occur weekly in the city.
He questioned whether a community organisation could effectively address this problem, suggesting that the €120,000 would be better spent on police operations to directly combat anti-LGBTQ+ violence. He expressed skepticism about whether a gender-neutral staff member with a rainbow pin could make a meaningful difference in preventing such incidents.
This position drew sharp criticism from other council members. Stephanie D’Hose from Voor Gent argued that Joris and his party fail to understand the daily realities of many LGBTQIA+ people in Ghent, including the fear of walking down the street or holding a partner’s hand in public.
Fourat Ben Chikha from Groen, who is also gay, called the stance hypocritical, pointing to Vlaams Belang’s political record. He noted that the party’s policies would prevent same-sex couples from adopting children, adding that under such policies, he would not have been able to celebrate his son’s birthday.
Bram Van Braeckevelt (Groen), Alderman for Equal Opportunities, condemned the position as hypocritical, affirming that organisations like Regenbooghuis Gent – now Magenta – are crucial, as every homophobic incident is one too many.
Ultimately, the subsidy was approved with only Vlaams Belang voting against.
Expansion
With its new name and secured funding, Magenta is now expanding its team. Starting in September, the organisation will add two part-time employees: a volunteer coach and a network supporter. Both roles require Dutch proficiency, and applications are open until 25 May. This expansion marks a significant step forward for Magenta, which has historically relied on volunteer efforts to serve the community.
The growth continues with a major volunteer kick-off event scheduled for Saturday, 30 May, from 13:00 to 16:00 at Kammerstraat 22. This gathering will launch five specialized teams under the Magenta umbrella, each focusing on a key pillar of the organisation’s mission.
The Connection team will work to bridge gaps within Ghent’s LGBTQIA+ communities, creating a central driving force and guidance system for navigating the diverse community landscape.
The Safe(r) Places team will focus on identifying and creating safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals, providing a physical point of contact and a welcoming home base for initiatives and individuals.
The Welcome/CARE team will build on the success of the Open Salons, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere where people can connect, ask questions, find support, or simply exist safely among peers.
The Information team will develop Magenta as a central hub for basic information and frontline support, both online and offline, including launching an informative website and developing flyers. The Communication team will work on a comprehensive strategy covering the newsletter, social media, flyers, posters, and the website.
During the kick-off event, participants will collaborate on defining team objectives, developing concrete actions, and beginning the planning process. Those interested in joining a team but unable to attend are encouraged to express their interest to be included in future communications.
Looking ahead, Magenta has several important dates on its calendar. On Wednesday evening, 1 July, the organisation will hold its General Assembly to discuss and decide on key matters. From 17 to 26 July, Magenta will participate in the Gentse Feesten, providing a home base in the festive city center together with Que Club.
Those interested in volunteering at the outdoor stand or contributing ideas are encouraged to contact the organisation. The highlight of the year will be Magenta’s Big Launch Party on Saturday 24 October, marking the official public debut under the new name.
Behind the scenes, Magenta has been working to establish itself as a formal non-profit organisation. Recent accomplishments include developing articles of association, internal regulations, a budget plan, and securing a funding agreement with the city of Ghent. Still on the horizon are a new website, corporate identity, employment regulations, code of conduct, volunteer policy, and practical agreements for space usage.
As Magenta prepares to begin its real work with the community, the organisation expresses enthusiasm about collaborating with community members and their ideas to make a tangible impact in Ghent.
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