Pride in the capital of diversity

Antwerp Pride is a city-wide gay & lesbian event.
It holds numerous parties, sports events, exhibitions and cultural fairs.

It’s goal is to promote Antwerp as gay(friendly) capital, to unite groups of people who sometimes compete with one another, but who now join forces to make this a true ‘happy gay happening’.

Diversity is a strength of Antwerp. Or as the people from Antwerp say:

't stad is van iedereen!' 'The city belongs to everyone'

Dear guest,

Antwerp belongs to everyone. The Antwerp city council wants to stimulate an equal opportunities policy for all. These opportunities need to be available for everyone, irrespective of gender, age, inclination, physical condition or origin. Diversity is a strenght the city wants to capitalise on.

It is not a coincidence that the gay and lesbian scene is becoming increasingly visible in Antwerp. And although more and more people are open about their sexual preference, open or hidden forms of discrimination continue to exist.

With 'Antwerp Pride' the diversity department wants to support the emancipation process of gays and lesbians with a number of events that give 'the diversity within the diversity' a place to the general public. I hope that I can welcome you, gay, lesbian or straight, to these activities in huge numbers, because everyone should feel at home in Antwerp.

Monica De Coninck
Alderman of social services, diversity and counters

Dear guest,

To promote Antwerp as much as possible in Belgium and abroad, events are important. They often bring together very different people and strengthen the feeling of togetherness in the city. They contribute to the impact of the city and have a positive effect on people staying in and visiting Antwerp.

The city of Antwerp is therefore very happy to announce the second edition of Antwerp Pride.

Antwerp will proudly support and publicise this event, aimed at a gay-friendly public.

We hope we can welcome you to this fantastic event!

Philip Heylen
Alderman for culture and tourism