Brussels Pride has reportedly pulled back after allegedly telling a Belgian Jewish LGBTQ+ group that it could only take part in the event if members hid visible signs of being Jewish.
Mazal Pride, a Belgian group representing LGBT+ Jews, was allegedly told by Brussels Pride that it could join the parade, “but with conditions that deeply hurt us”.
In a message shared in the “BaLaGan! – LGBT+ Jews in and around Brussels” Facebook group, a member of Mazal Pride said the group had received a list of conditions around its participation.
Group says conditions were “extremely painful”
The message said Brussels Pride had acknowledged that Jewish LGBTQ+ people had a place at Pride and within Brussels’ LGBTQ+ community.
“We do have a place at Pride and within the LGBTQ+ community in Brussels, and they accept us without conflating us with Israel.
“They are aware that Jews face risks in Belgium. However, because of the second point, they fear that our participation could put us in danger. As a result, they would only potentially agree to our participation if we are forbidden from bringing out logo, the Magen David, or even using the word ‘Jewish’ on our banners.”
The post said the group found the conditions painful, particularly given Pride’s purpose as a celebration of visibility and freedom.
“Hearing this at an event that is supposed to celebrate pride and the freedom to exist was extremely painful.
“The message we ultimately receive is that our presence is acceptable only if it is not too visible. That we are welcome as long as we know how to hide… we refuse to accept erasing our identity as the solution. We refuse the idea that Jewish people should have to hide who they are in order to participate in a public, activist, and celebratory space.”
Jewish attendees reportedly allowed to display symbols
The post said Mazal Pride had decided to attend regardless, “and prouder than ever”, even if members would have to “participate without overly distinctive symbols”.
However, according to Jewish News, those conditions have since been removed, and Jewish attendees will now reportedly be permitted to display symbols of their religion.
The controversy has sparked wider discussion about inclusion, safety, antisemitism, and the right of LGBTQ+ people to bring their full identities into Pride spaces without being asked to make parts of themselves less visible.
