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Alderman Stijn De Rooster: “No room in Antwerp for hate directed at sexual orientation and gender identity. We know where it comes from: from the far right, and from islamism”

by Timothy••0

2026 marks the nineteenth (19th) edition of Antwerp Pride. From Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 August, Antwerp in Belgium will once again be taken over by rainbow vibes. Prides are a mix of celebration – parties – and activism and advocacy. For the 2026 edition, the organising committee focuses on fearing less and being fearless.

On Tuesday night, Antwerp Pride held its opening reception at Antwerp City Hall, hosted by the City of Antwerp. The Antwerp Pride organising committee took the opportunity to reiterate what this year’s Pride is about: ‘fearless’. The reception is also the opportunity to sum up what’s on the menu the next few days and to thank people, partners and volunteers. 

Perhaps unusually, it was Alderman for Sports, Religious Services and Animal Welfare Stijn De Rooster (N-VA) who spoke for the City. He drew parallels with the attack on Berlin Pride in July. 

There’s no room in Antwerp for hate directed at sexual orientation and gender identity. Not verbally, not physically and not online, De Rooster said. “We won’t accept it. We know where it comes from: from the far right, and from islamism. Yes I dare to name them.” 

Naming islamism isn’t popular in some circles. A right-wing party as N-VA doesn’t mind. But De Rooster did also name (and shame) the far right, which is less evident. 

De Rooster ended with: “Long Live Antwerp, Long Live Antwerp Pride, Long Live Love.”

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The latest on LGBTQIA+ events such as prides in Belgium

🇧🇪 Blogger, keen vexillologist, train conductor NMBS/SNCB, traveller, F1 follower, friend of Dorothy.

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