{"id":4625,"date":"2026-08-13T11:42:14","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T10:42:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.uantwerpen.be\/pintra-en\/?p=4625"},"modified":"2026-08-13T17:38:39","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T16:38:39","slug":"united-at-the-antwerp-pride-parade-a-day-of-connection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.uantwerpen.be\/pintra-en\/united-at-the-antwerp-pride-parade-a-day-of-connection\/","title":{"rendered":"UNITED at the Antwerp Pride Parade: fearless together"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On Friday 8 August, Antwerp once again turned every shade of the rainbow during the Antwerp Pride Parade. The University of Antwerp was there, hand in hand with KdG, AP and AMA under the joint AUHA UNITED flag. On the AUHA parade float, we spoke with students and staff about visibility, inclusion and the meaning of this year’s theme, \u2018Fearless\u2019<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, students and staff of the University of Antwerp and Antwerp insitutions of applied sciences and arts, took part in the Antwerp Pride Parade. On and around the AUHA parade float, participants enjoyed a vibrant and unifying atmosphere for three hours, creating memories that will stay with them for a long time. It became one of the most heart-warming moments of this (already very hot) summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participants danced to classics such as We Are Family<\/em> while thousands of spectators waved, laughed and celebrated along the route. The crowd included people of all ages and backgrounds. The energy on the float and the enthusiasm alongside it created a powerful sense of connection<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pride is a great party, but it is also more than that. It is a chance for the LGBTQIA+ community to make it clear that everyone should be able to be themselves and love whoever they want<\/strong>. That\u2019s still necessary. Today, more than ever. The theme of this edition was therefore well chosen: \u2018Fearless\u2019<\/em><\/strong>. A call to be yourself without fear, to make your voice heard and to continue building a society in which everyone feels at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why we take part<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For many participants, the University of Antwerp\u2019s participation in the parade was a logical statement. ‘Universities have traditionally been at the forefront of social progress. As a university, we need to continue to take a leading role in fighting for equal rights and showing that we are open to everyone. That is our task,’ says Faras Abassi<\/a> (he\/him\/his<\/a>), PhD researcher in the Department of Biology, who was also on the AUHA float.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This echoes the university\u2019s ambition to be a place where everyone feels welcome and respected, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or background. ‘The university\u2019s participation is an expression of social engagement and solidarity based on shared values around equal opportunities and human rights.<\/strong> At the same time, it is a clear signal that students and staff are welcome and can feel safe at our institution,’ says Sam Smit<\/a> (he\/him\/his<\/a>, Diversity and Inclusion domain coordinator).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

‘Also, in light of the growing hatred and polarisation in our society, it is more important than ever for the University of Antwerp to be here sending a clear message: \u2018NOT here, NOT at our university<\/strong>\u2019. A university is a community in its own right. We also see social trends reflected within our own UAntwerp community. As an institution, we need to stay fearless in the face of increasing division and exclusion. Sometimes it is far away, but sometimes it\u2019s happening right next to us.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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‘It is more important than ever for the University of Antwerp to be here sending a clear message: \u2018NOT here, NOT at our university\u2019. We need to be fearless in the face of increasing division and exclusion.’<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Sam Smit (right), he\/him\/his, Diversity and Inclusion domain coordinator<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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UNITED: one message, multiple institutions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For the second year in a row, the University of Antwerp took part within the broader AUHA partnership. This collaboration shows that inclusion does not stop at the boundaries of one institution. Together, we are stronger and our voices are louder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Samantha Brunt<\/a> (she\/her\/hers<\/a>, Diversity and Inclusion team) puts it this way: ‘Of course, participating under the AUHA banner means that the University of Antwerp is slightly less visible as an individual institution at Pride, but it also sends the message that inclusion is not the responsibility of one organization alone<\/strong>. It helps to prevent Pride from being reduced to a one-off event, too. We want to show that this commitment continues throughout the rest of the year<\/strong>.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sam Smit adds: ‘As UAntwerp, together with the AUHA partners, we choose the unifying slogan UNITED<\/strong>. UNITED as higher education institutions in Antwerp. UNITED in all the diversity that the LGBTQIA+ community brings. And UNITED in the fight for equal opportunities and human rights.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Celebration and protest<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Anyone who only knows Pride from the colourful photos is missing part of the story. Pride originated as a protest movement, and that dimension remains important. Since Belgium organised its first Pride in 1996, important steps have been taken towards LGBTQIA+ rights. At the same time, many people are once again experiencing more uncertainty and barriers today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why we need to keep focusing on visibility<\/strong>. Pride is both a celebration of recognition and a call to remain vigilant when it comes to equal opportunities and respect<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inclusion doesn\u2019t stop after the parade<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The University of Antwerp\u2019s commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion is not limited to one day a year<\/strong>. In recent years, efforts have included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n