Last weekend, Brussels Pride turned the city into a sea of colour as liberals from across Belgium and beyond came together under the ALDE Party banner, with MR, Jeunes MR, Anders, Jongliberalen, and ALDE Party’s youth wing, LYMEC, all marching side by side.
Thousands filled the streets of the capital, transforming Brussels into a moving celebration of equality and freedom. Rainbow flags lined the route, but so did messages ranging from declarations of love to quieter reminders that rights still need defending.
The Pride Parade came on the eve of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, giving the celebrations an added political weight. For many on the streets, it was not just a parade but a protest – and a reminder that visibility still matters in 2026.
Figures from liberal partners show that 63% of LGBTQI+ people in the EU encounter hate speech online. While progress has been made, these numbers are a reminder that many still face discrimination. True freedom means equality for all LGBTQI+ people in Europe without exception.
Among those marching were MR leader Georges-Louis Bouchez, Anders leader Frédéric De Gucht, alongside Belgian liberals including MEP Sophie Wilmès and EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, joining a wider liberal presence from across the movement.
Across Europe, debates around equality and personal freedom are becoming increasingly polarised, and vulnerable communities are increasingly becoming targets in both online spaces and public discourse. Last weekend’s march was about making clear that the equality that was hard fought for will not be quietly undone.
Love is a human right, and liberals will always defend that freedom. Extremism and hostility towards queer people and those who do not conform to the status quo are on the rise across parts of Europe. The louder hatred becomes, the louder our support must be.
Pride is about showing up consistently and unapologetically for those who deserve the freedom to be who they are.
Written by: Aoife Devereux
Check out our liberal action on the day below: