As I dive into preparing my next article celebrating the wonders of Belgium, I find myself scrolling through Instagram in search of stories that capture the essence of this fascinating country. Suddenly, I come across a story that shatters the idyllic narrative: an incident of homophobia in Brussels, specifically in Anderlecht. This abrupt contrast stops me in my tracks and leads me to a deeper reflection on my perception of Belgium in the context of LGBTQ+ rights.
It is at times like this that I really value the safety and inclusiveness that Belgium offers, especially when I compare it to experiences in countries where human rights and minorities are openly disregarded. Here, despite isolated incidents of homophobia, one can feel a level of safety and acceptance that is, sadly, a luxury in many other parts of the world.
This duality reminds me that, although Belgium has come a long way in the fight for equality, the battle is far from won. But it also reinforces my appreciation for a country that, for the most part, strives to be a haven of equality and respect.
In the heart of Europe, Belgium stands as a beacon of progress in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. With its cobblestone streets, Gothic architecture and diverse population, the country has been a pioneer in promoting equality.
But what’s going on behind the lace facades and chocolate windows? This article, the result of my experience in Brussels, delves into the complex landscape of LGBTQ+ rights in Belgium. If you have patience, then let’s look at it in parts.
Recognition of couples and families: a beacon of human dignity in Belgium
Personally, I have never thought about adopting, simply because it is not in my plans and because with my husband it has not been a project that excites us either. Even if we reside in the incredible, dichotomous and surreal Belgium, this country stands out as one of the pioneers in the recognition of same-sex unions.
It is not just a statistic; it is a testimony to the social and cultural progress that the country has achieved.
According to the European Commission, Belgium is among the 21 European Union Member States that have taken a bold step in legally recognizing same-sex couples, either through marriage or civil unions. 1 .
This legal recognition is much more than just a milestone in the country’s law book; it is a monumental advance in human dignity.
Imagine for a moment being part of a same-sex couple in a country where your love is considered illegal or, at best, ignored. Now, imagine crossing the border into Belgium and feeling the weight of discrimination, lifted, replaced by an air of acceptance and legality. It is like moving from the shadows to the light of day, a change not only in legal status, but also in the quality of life and emotional well-being of every LGTBQ+ person.
But this recognition does not stop at couples; it extends to the families that these unions create. In a world where the definition of “family” is constantly evolving, Belgium has demonstrated a progressive understanding by recognizing the children of same-sex couples.
This act sends a powerful message: in Belgium, all families are valid and deserve the same rights and protections.
Safety and Security: the balance between priority and reality
In the European context, Belgium presents itself as a country where security and protection of the LGBTQ+ community are not just nice words in a political discourse, but tangible priorities. According to the European Commission, LGBTIQ+ people are disproportionately victims of violence and hate crimes 1 . This recognition is not only a diagnosis of the problem, but also the first step towards effective solutions.
To address this worrying reality, the European Union and, by extension, Belgium, are taking significant legislative measures. One of the most notable is the inclusion of hate speech in the list of crimes recognized by the EU. This is a crucial step in combating the discrimination and violence faced by the LGBTQ+ community, as it establishes a legal framework to prosecute and penalize perpetrators.
But what does this mean in everyday life in Belgium? Imagine walking through the streets of Brussels, where every corner is a mosaic of cultures and sexual orientations. In this environment, EU legislation provides an additional layer of security. It does not completely eliminate the risk-as isolated incidents of homophobia that still occur, such as the case of -but it does send a clear message: intolerance has no place here.
However, legislation is only part of the equation. The other part is effective implementation and public education. Laws can set the rules, but society must play its part in eradicating prejudice and promoting inclusion. In this sense, Belgium has both a model to follow and a challenge to face. Especially in certain immigrant groups.
Social Acceptance: The Mirage of Tolerance in the Heart of Europe
The reality is more complex and less idyllic. Despite significant legislative advances, social acceptance remains a slippery slope. According to the European Commission, more than 50% of LGBTIQ people in the European Union, including Belgium, hide their identity for fear of social stigma, and an alarming 43% feel discriminated against. 1 .
This mirage of tolerance reveals an uncomfortable truth: changing laws is easier than changing mentalities.
Imagine living in a country where your rights are protected by law, but where every step outside your home could be a minefield of prejudice and discrimination. It is like living in two parallel worlds: one where you are legally equal, and another where socially you may still be considered “different” or “lesser”.
This challenge extends beyond the streets and homes; it permeates schools, workplaces and public institutions. Although discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal, the reality is that many LGBTQ+ people in Belgium still face invisible barriers, from microaggressions to lack of representation in leadership roles.
So what is needed to close this gap between legality and social reality?
The answer is complex but achievable. It requires a collective effort that goes beyond legislation: inclusive education from an early age, awareness campaigns that challenge stereotypes and, most importantly, the willingness of each individual to examine and challenge their own prejudices.
Challenges Ahead: The Last Frontier in the Struggle for Equality in Belgium.
In the narrative of social progress it is often presented as a country that has crossed many borders in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. However, as in any journey towards equality, there is always a “last frontier” that still needs to be crossed. Despite significant advances in the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, the struggle is far from over.
Workplace Discrimination
In the workplace, discrimination continues to be a palpable reality. Although laws explicitly prohibit any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation, equality on paper does not always translate into equality in practice. From lack of representation in leadership roles to harassment in the workplace, challenges persist.
Medical Care
Health care is another area that requires critical review. Although Belgium has a high-quality healthcare system, specific care for the LGBTQ+ community is often overlooked. This includes everything from the lack of training on LGBTQ+ health issues for medical professionals to the stigmatization of certain health conditions that disproportionately affect this community.
Education
Education is perhaps one of the most crucial fields for social change. Although efforts have been made to include sexual diversity education in school curricula, implementation is uneven and often subject to the discretion of individual school authorities.
Final Reflections
Living in Belgium offers me a sense of tranquility that I cannot underestimate. Here, the laws not only recognize me as an equal, but also protect me from discrimination and hatred. It is a layer of security that, unfortunately, remains a luxury in many parts of the world. But even in this oasis of legal equality, I cannot afford the luxury of complacency.
The reality is that while the majority of Belgian society is inclusive and respectful, pockets of homophobia and prejudice still exist. These are not just isolated incidents, but are often perpetuated by heteroegemonic groups that resist social change and equality.
Therefore, although I feel protected by the laws of Belgium, I am also vigilant. I am vigilant because I know that the fight for LGBTQ+ equality is not just a matter of changing laws, but also of changing hearts and minds. And that is something that is not achieved overnight, not even in a country as progressive as Belgium.
So while I celebrate the victories we have achieved in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality in Belgium, I also recognize that the battle is far from won. But even in this duality, I find hope: the hope that Belgian society, for the most part, continues to strive to be better. And in that effort, I find the strength to continue fighting, to continue living and to continue loving, freely and equally.
