What We Want to Know
When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to only do what feels right to them.
Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Belgium is!
LGBTQ+ Laws
The LGBTQ+ laws in Belgium are some of the best in the world, and the country helped pave the way for government acceptance of the community. After recognizing same sex partnerships since 2000, Belgium was the second country in the world to legalize same sex marriage in 2003. Same sex sexual activity has been legal for more than 200 years, and adoption became legal for same sex couples in 2006 along with equal access to family planning including IVF. The first anti-discrimination law was enacted in 2003 and updated in 2007, with both banning discrimination of people based on their sexual orientation. In 2013 the law was amended again to include people of different gender identities and gender expressions. Belgium was and is a leader in LGBTQ+ equality.
Social Climate
Attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people in Belgium seem to be very positive. A 2015 Eurobarometer Poll showed that more than 75% of Belgian people believed that same sex marriage should be legalized throughout Europe. Numerous LGBTQ+ politicians have served openly in Belgium, including a previous Prime Minister, and LGBTQ+ themes are widely accepted and normalized in the media. There are active gay communities all over the country, and Belgium was host to the World Outgames in 2013. They continue to be a shining example not only in Europe but all over the world, of an open and accepting country.
Gaybourhoods
The most prominent LGBTQ+ scene in Belgium is in the capital city of Brussels. They are host to the annual Belgian Lesbian and Gay Pride, as well as the Brussels Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. The Brussels gay village is in the Saint Jacques neighbourhood, and is home to many LGBTQ+ establishments. Other lively gaybourhoods exists in cities like Antwerp, Leuven, Ghent, and Bruges, with gay bars, clubs, and parties. While most of the nightlife is geared toward gay men, Belgium does have events that are made for women. While some lesbian parties are held monthly, others happen annually during the Pride celebrations. There is even a multi day lesbian event each year that is organized by Girls Heart Brussels, featuring awesome itineraries geared toward lesbian women.
Our Experience
We really enjoyed our time in Belgium together. We spent our visit in Brussels and Bruges, and could definitely see that Belgium is a top destination for LGBTQ+ travellers due to it’s progressive laws and the positive attitudes of the locals. We love travelling to countries that recognize our marriage, and destinations that make us feel safe and welcomed. We certainly felt comfortable being out and open as a couple while we were in Belgium, and we were met with nothing but kindness from the locals. We would happily return and would love to check out more of the gay scene in Brussels as well as some of the smaller cities. We highly recommend Belgium as a great European travel destination for lesbian travellers and lesbian couples who are looking for an open and accepting place to explore.
Have you been to Belgium? Share your experience in the comments below!
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2 comments
Hi!
My name is Alice. I am 14 years old, lesbian and Belgian. I’ve noticed that most Belgian adults don’t really ‘mind’ seeing gay couples kiss in public, however lots of people of my age think it’s ‘unusual’. You probably have more open-minded people in the big cities (ex. Brussels, Ghent). Loved this article!
Thanks so much for sharing!