On 17 May, European liberals united at the 2025 Brussels Pride to manifest our continued support for the LGBTQIA+ community and reaffirm that love, in all its forms, is a liberal value.
ALDE Party with its Belgian members Mouvement Réformateur and Open VLD, as well as representatives from LYMEC, Jeunes MR, Jong VLD, Renew Europe and various other liberal organisations and parties, gathered under the slogan “Kiss Me, I’m Liberal”.
With appearances from liberal party leaders Georges-Louis Bouchez (MR), Eva De Bleeker (Open VLD), and current Member of the European Parliament Sophie Wilmès (MR), liberals marched through the city and joined in the celebrations, which took place on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
Earlier in the week, liberals also marked Pride in a special panel event in collaboration with Rainbow Platform, the liberal initiative for more diversity in politics, where ALDE Party Secretary General Didrik de Schaetzen gave introductory remarks.
Titled "Eurovision in Times of Culture Wars – A Liberal Take", panellists explored what the Eurovision Song Contest means in an era of rising conservatism and backlash against diversity. From behind-the-scenes stories to political reflections, speakers discussed the role of Eurovision in pushing forward inclusion, queer representation and European unity over the years.
European liberals are continuously striving for a more open and tolerant society where diversity is cherished, and we are all free to live and love without discrimination or violence because of our sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion or any other aspect of our identity. That is why we have been advocating to promote LGBTQIA+ rights across Europe with our members, on both national and European levels – not just during Pride, but every single day of the year.
ALDE Party has campaigned extensively against so-called LGBT-free zones, conversion therapy practices targeting youth, barriers to blood donations from gay and bisexual donors, and other conservative trends that undermine the principles of equality.
Click here to read more about our policies for a more inclusive and freer Europe.
Photo: MR