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Articles by Marc Dirix
Historic wins for LGBTQ+ candidates in US midterm elections
Democrats have regained control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the US midterm elections. The vote also brought several historic firsts. In New Hampshire, Democrat Chris Pappas was elected to the Senate, becoming the first openly gay man elected to the chamber. In Georgia, openly transgender and nonbinary candidate Bentley Hudgins also won their race. Pappas defeated former Republican Senator John E. Sununu.
UN raises critical questions with Austria over surgeries on intersex children
The UN Human Rights Committee last week raised critical questions with Austria about medically unnecessary interventions on intersex children. The issue was addressed during Austria's periodic review of its compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Intersex people are born with sex characteristics that do not fit traditional definitions of male or female. Their sexual anatomy, reproductive organs, hormones or chromosome patterns may differ.
New association IntersexBEL advocates for the rights of intersex people
IntersexBEL has officially launched on International Intersex Awareness Day. The new association advocates for intersex people and is calling on the Belgian authorities to respect their fundamental rights. Intersex people are people whose sex characteristics do not conform to traditional definitions of the biological male or female sex.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and partner Nicolás Keenan expecting their first child
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and his partner Nicolás Keenan are expecting their first child. The couple announced the news on Instagram. It was also confirmed by the spokesperson for D66, Rob Jetten's political party. Jetten and Keenan have long dreamed of starting a family. With the help of a surrogate and an egg donor, that dream now appears to be coming true. Their child is expected to be born in the spring of 2027.
Our Safe Spaces Are Under Threat. Also Because of Us.
Dear community, What I'm about to say probably won't make me popular with everyone, but it needs to be said. Our community, especially our clubs, bars and other safe spaces, is under threat. During Pride and festival season, it's impossible to ignore the growing problem of excessive drug use. The rapid rise of GHB is putting some of the few places where LGBTQIA+ people can truly feel safe at risk.
Brussels welcomes 4,000 LGBTQI+ singers for Various Voices
Brussels will be flooded over the coming days by no fewer than 120 LGBTQI+ choirs and 4,000 singers from 18 countries. They will take part in 350 concerts scheduled as part of the Various Voices choir festival. Founded in Cologne in 1985, the festival has grown into a leading European event for the LGBTQI+ choral community.
Conversion therapy now punishable in the Netherlands
The Dutch Senate on Tuesday approved a ban on conversion therapy. The new law prohibits treatments that claim to "cure" a person of their sexual orientation or gender identity. COC Netherlands welcomed the decision and described it as a victory for survivors. "At last, justice for victims who often suffer the consequences of conversion practices for the rest of their lives," said COC chair Myrtille Danse following the Senate's decision.
Queer organisations launch legal proceedings against Meta
Verschillende Nederlandse queerorganisaties, bedrijven en horecaondernemingen zijn een juridische procedure begonnen tegen Meta, het moederbedrijf van Instagram. Aanleiding is de massale verwijdering van Instagram-accounts van queerorganisaties die recent plaatsvond. De afgelopen maanden werden de Instagrampagina’s van verschillende LGBTQ+-organisaties meermaals verwijderd of werd hun bereik door Meta beperkt via shadowbanning.
Europe bans conversion therapies
The European Parliament approved a ban on conversion therapy on Wednesday. The vote followed the ACT (Against Conversion Therapy) citizens’ initiative, which succeeded in gathering 1.2 million signatures. The initiative was also supported by more than 300 NGOs. Currently, conversion therapy, which aims to change a person’s sexual orientation, remains legal in three out of four European countries.
Tim Cook steps down as Apple CEO
Apple CEO Tim Cook (65) will step down in September, the US technology company announced. The openly gay CEO will be succeeded by 51-year-old John Ternus. Cook joined Apple in 1998 and succeeded then-CEO Steve Jobs after his death in 2011. Under Cook’s leadership, several devices were launched, including the Apple Watch and AirPods, while services such as iCloud, Apple TV and Apple Music were further developed.
Trump administration reverses course on Stonewall Pride flag
The rainbow flag will be allowed to return permanently and be displayed at the Stonewall Monument in New York. This follows a settlement reached by the administration of President Donald Trump in a prolonged legal dispute over the issue. In February, the rainbow flag was removed from the LGBTQ+ monument by the agency responsible for national parks, following a government order. According to the agency, only American flags were allowed to fly at national parks and monuments.
Hungarians vote for a change of course, but impact on LGBTIQ+ rights remains uncertain
Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar has won the parliamentary elections with his party Tisza, bringing an end to Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule. The victory was widely celebrated in the capital, Budapest. Polls had already indicated a decline in support for Orbán’s party in recent weeks. With nearly 90% of votes counted on Sunday evening, Magyar secured a two-thirds majority in parliament. This majority would allow him to reverse many of the policies implemented during Orbán’s time in power.
Requiring trans men to wear speedos is discriminatory
Requiring trans men to wear tight-fitting swimwear is discriminatory. This is stated in a ruling by the Disputes Chamber of the Flemish Institute for Human Rights, following a complaint filed by a trans man. The trans man wanted to go swimming at the Sportoase Montaignehof pool in Lanaken, but was not allowed to wear loose-fitting swimwear. Only tight-fitting swimwear is permitted there for hygiene reasons.
Already 8,000 registrations for the Gay Games in Valencia
With only a few months to go, 8,000 athletes have already registered for the twelfth edition of the Gay Games in Valencia. The international sporting and cultural event, which takes place every four years and is based on participation, inclusion and personal achievement, will be held from 7 June to 4 July 2026.
NGOs call on the IOC to stop genetic sex testing in sport
In a joint statement, Sport & Rights Alliance (SRA), ILGA World and Humans of Sport are calling on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to stop sex testing for female athletes. The three organisations are also supported by seventy other organisations.
Transgender people must receive a hospital room according to their gender identity
Transgender people who are admitted to hospital should be assigned a room that corresponds to their gender identity, even if this does not match the sex stated on their identity card. This is stated in an opinion issued by the National Council of the Order of Physicians. Currently, when someone is admitted to hospital and has to share a room, they usually do so with someone of the same sex. However, this is often not the case for transgender patients.
Mike (52) elected new Mister Leather Belgium
Last Saturday, 52-year-old Mike was elected the new Mister Leather Belgium 2026 at Beyond Darklands. He succeeds Mister Leather Belgium 2025 Frederick. Over the coming year, the new Mister Leather mainly wants to focus on bringing together the different leather communities from both parts of the country. This year, three candidates took part in the Mister Leather contest at Beyond Darklands.
Turkish court bans LGBTI youth organisation
A court in Turkey has ordered the closure of the LGBTI youth organisation Genç LGBTİ Plus Derneği. According to the court, the organisation distributed images that could encourage young people to become lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans, and that allegedly violate public morality and the Turkish Constitution. ILGA Europe has expressed concern about the closure and sees it as an escalation of the repression faced by LGBTI organisations in Turkey.
Number of HIV and AIDS diagnoses rising again
In 2024, the number of HIV and AIDS diagnoses in Belgium increased again by twelve percent compared to 2023. This is shown by figures collected by Sciensano. In 2024, there were 662 new HIV diagnoses, an average of 1.8 diagnoses per day. This new rise of twelve percent ends the declining trend of the past years. In 2024, 19,325 people living with HIV were in medical follow-up in Belgium, a slight increase compared with 2022. The population of people in HIV care is ageing: 52% are aged 50 or older.
British darts player withdraws again from match against Noa-Lynn van Leuven
For the second year in a row, British darts player Deta Hedman has refused to play against Dutch trans woman Noa-Lynn van Leuven. The two were scheduled to face each other this Saturday in the PDC Women’s Series. Last year, the 65-year-old Hedman stated that she would not “play against a man in a woman’s body.” That opinion hasn’t changed. She forfeited a quarter-final match at the Danish Open, where she was set to compete against Van Leuven.
Norwegian Church apologises to the LGBTQ community
The Norwegian Church issued an apology on Thursday to the LGBTQ community for the harm caused by years of discrimination by the church. The apology was made at the London Pub, one of two LGBTQ bars that came under fire during the Oslo Pride in 2022. “The Norwegian Church has caused great shame, harm, and pain to LGBTQ+ people,” said Bishop Olav Fykse Tveit.
Dutch Parliament approves ban on conversion therapy
The Dutch House of Representatives has voted in favor of a ban on conversion therapy, practices aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. COC Netherlands and the Transgender Network, which have campaigned for this ban for nearly 15 years, welcomed the decision. The organizations are calling on the Senate to swiftly pass the bill, supported by D66, VVD, GroenLinks-PvdA, the SP, and the Party for the Animals.
Burkina Faso criminalizes homosexuality with prison sentences up to five years
The parliament of Burkina Faso on Monday passed a law criminalizing homosexuality, introducing fines and prison sentences ranging from two to five years. The amended law was unanimously approved and takes effect immediately. It had already been endorsed last year by the country’s military government under Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayla announced on national television that foreigners found guilty under the law will also be expelled from the country.
Berlin goes kinky: Thousands gather for Folsom Europe
Between 15,000 and 20,000 fetish enthusiasts attended the 22nd edition of Folsom Europe in Berlin last week. As in previous years, the Fuggerstraße and surrounding area were transformed into a massive social gathering where leathermen, along with many puppies, furries, and other fetish lovers, came together to celebrate their diversity. This year, Folsom Europe did not take place in September as usual, but for the first time at the end of August.
LGBTQ film Julian to open Film Fest Gent
Julian, the feature debut of Belgian director Cato Kusters, has been selected as the official opening film of Film Fest Gent 2025. Inspired by the book of the same name by Fleur Pierets, Julian is a moving and captivating portrait of two women deeply in love who decide to marry in every country where same-sex marriage is legal. At once fragile and raw, Julian tells the story of Fleur and Julian. After an unexpected meeting, sparks fly instantly.
Amsterdam Court to Rule on U.S. Trans Woman’s Asylum Case
A 28-year-old American trans woman will appear before an Amsterdam court on Wednesday to challenge the rejection of her asylum application in the Netherlands. The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) rejected her claim on the grounds that there are no special exemption groups for the United States. However, according to LGBT Asylum Support, the information on which the IND based its decision is outdated since Donald Trump’s return to power.
Publishers win lawsuit against controversial book ban in Florida
A federal judge ruled last Friday that Florida’s HB2019 law, which allowed parents to remove books with alleged sexual content from school libraries and classrooms, was overly broad and unconstitutional. “Historically, librarians curate their collections based on professional judgment, not by orders from above,” the judge stated.
Turkey arrests LGBTQ activist after speech to the Council of Europe
The Turkish youth delegate to the Council of Europe and LGBTI+ activist, Enes Hocaoğulları, was arrested upon his return at Ankara Airport. The arrest took place on August 5. Turkish authorities accuse him of defamation for speaking out during a Council of Europe address against the arrests of several Turkish mayors. On March 19, hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to protest the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.
Swiss pediatrician elected new Mister Gay Europe
On Friday evening in Amsterdam, 30-year-old Swiss pediatrician and firefighter Michael Pereira was elected the new Mister Gay Europe. He succeeds Dutchman Tim Kusters, who held the title for the past two years. Mister Gay Belgium and teacher Imran Nawaz was elected first runner-up. The second runner-up was 28-year-old Dutch entrepreneur Kadeem van de Pol. During the one-and-a-half-hour show on Dam Square, the twelve finalists introduced themselves to the public.
Florida Subpoenas Restaurant Over Drag Show Guests
The public prosecutor of the U.S. state of Florida has ordered a popular restaurant in Vero Beach to identify all attendees of its drag shows. Last month, The Kilted Mermaid restaurant hosted a drag performance to celebrate Pride Month. According to Florida’s Attorney General, James Uthmeier, “adult, sexualized performers” performed in the presence of children. In May, a federal court ruled that a 2023 law banning drag shows in Florida may be unconstitutional.
Trans women excluded from WDF women’s darts tournaments
Dutch darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven, like other trans women, is no longer welcome at women’s tournaments organized by the WDF darts federation. She is being excluded following a recent change to the eligibility criteria for women's competitions. On Monday, the world’s second-largest darts federation announced that its legal bodies had approved the decision — initially proposed in 2024 — by majority vote. The measure takes effect immediately.
Hepatitis C declines, but vigilance still needed
In Belgium, the number of hepatitis C cases has been decreasing since the introduction of direct-acting antiviral treatments. The number of hepatitis B cases, however, remains relatively stable. This is according to new figures from Sciensano, released in connection with World Hepatitis Day (July 28). At the same time, Sciensano continues to call for stronger prevention, screening, and treatment efforts, especially for vulnerable population groups.
US Olympic Committee excludes transgender women
The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has quietly amended its regulations to bar transgender women from participating in women’s sports. With this move, the USOPC aligns itself with Presidential Order 14201, issued in January: Ban men from women’s sports. Until now, the USOPC had left decisions about excluding trans athletes up to the national sports federations.
New cycling competition rules annulled by court for discriminating against trans women
The competition regulations for women's races, tightened by an international cycling organization in July 2023, have been ruled discriminatory against trans women by the Brussels Court of First Instance. The ruling follows a case brought by a trans cyclist against the international cycling body and the Belgian cycling federation. The athlete was excluded based on the new regulations, which imposed strict conditions on trans women's participation in female categories.
Controversy over the organization of the Mister Gay Europe pageant in Amsterdam
Controversy has erupted around the Mister Gay Europe competition, scheduled to take place on August 1st in Amsterdam. While the official social media accounts of the event have been introducing the contestants and first jury members, the Mister Gay Europe organization (MGEO) has announced it is severing all ties with YDS Events, the company of Bram Bierkens responsible for organizing the Amsterdam edition.
No fines for participants in Budapest Pride
Participants in the banned Pride march in Budapest on June 28 no longer have to fear fines or prison sentences. In a statement, the Budapest police announced that they will not take further legal action against the more than 200,000 people who joined the banned march. The announcement came as a surprise. In the days leading up to the parade, police had prohibited the event, citing a law passed in March by Viktor Orbán's government that bans all LGBTQ+ events.
UN renews the mandate of the Independent LGBTQ+ Expert
The United Nations Human Rights Council has renewed the mandate of the only UN human rights expert specifically tasked with addressing violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons. Over the past months, 1,259 NGOs from 157 countries campaigned to renew the mandate, which was first created in 2016.
Record number of delegations and bilingual livestream at Antwerp Pride 2025
Antwerp Pride has unveiled the program for it's 18th edition this summer, which will take place from Thursday, August 6 to Sunday, August 10. The highlight will be the Pride Parade on Saturday. This year’s theme is “Do Not, Just March. Listen. Act. Commit.” “The past months have shown that we cannot lean back when it comes to human rights,” says chair Geert van Praet. “Pride is a celebration, but also a moment of awareness and commitment.
Darklands announces new dates
As announced, the organizers of Darklands have revealed the first details for the next edition of Europe's largest fetish festival. It will once again take place next year at the Waagnatie, but on a smaller footprint than in previous years. Be sure to mark March 3–9, 2026 in your calendar — time to dust off your best fetish outfit(s) for "Darklands Beyond". That is the new name under which Darklands will operate in the coming years.
Foreign Affairs updates travel advice for visitors to Budapest Pride
The Foreign Affairs Department updated its travel advice for Hungary on Thursday. Visitors to the Pride event taking place in Budapest this Saturday are being warned that they may face fines, as the march through the city center has been banned by the authorities. "The Hungarian government, through the Minister of Justice, has announced that the Pride March scheduled for 28 June 2025 is prohibited by law," reads the website of the Foreign Affairs Department.
Belgian Delegation Travels to Budapest Pride
The Belgian LGBTQ+ advocacy group çavaria is heading to Budapest Pride along with a delegation of activists, politicians, and journalists. However, it is still uncertain whether the march scheduled for this Saturday will actually take place. The mayor of Budapest has granted permission, but the police have issued a ban. The Hungarian government recently passed a constitutional ban on public LGBTI+ events, but local activists are refusing to be silenced.
Minister Beenders criticizes VRT MAX for giving a platform to homophobic influencer
In the Social Affairs Committee, Minister for Persons with Disabilities and Equal Opportunities Rob Beenders (Vooruit) elaborated on his earlier comment regarding the documentary on the homophobic influencer Andrew Tate, which remains available on the VRT MAX streaming platform without any context. “Andrew Tate has a significant influence on social media and became particularly well known for his homophobic and also misogynistic statements,” said Beenders.
Yungblud replaces Kings of Leon at Rock Werchter
The British singer Yungblud will replace Kings of Leon on 5 July at Rock Werchter. The festival organisers announced this on Friday. Kings of Leon are unable to perform until the end of July due to a serious injury sustained by frontman Caleb Followill. When the news broke, the organisers immediately started looking for a replacement for the band and found one in the form of an energetic British punk rocker. Yungblud will take to the main stage on 5 July and rock the festival grounds.
Beth McCarthy Gives Trans Girl Her New Name
A TikTok video of bisexual singer Beth McCarthy giving a trans girl her new name has gone viral and has already been viewed over three million times. During one of her concerts, the singer was approached by a fan holding a sign asking her to help choose a new name. “So your name was David, and you want me to give you a new name?” “I think the name Luna is beautiful.” The trans girl was stunned and reacted with an open mouth to her new name.
KU Leuven develops method to make HIV viruses permanently harmless
The KU Leuven research team led by Professor Debyser has achieved a breakthrough in the treatment of the HIV virus. The researchers developed a new therapeutic method that disables the virus permanently. As a result, patients would only need to take medication for a limited time. The new findings were published in Nature Communications. In the 1980s, an HIV diagnosis — the virus that causes AIDS — marked the onset of a pandemic that severely affected the gay community.
Russian court fines Apple over LGBTQ propaganda
A Russian court has fined Apple nearly 83,000 euros, accusing the American tech giant of committing three violations of the LGBTQ propaganda law adopted in 2013. This was reported by the press service of the Moscow court. Apple received three administrative fines for allegedly promoting “non-traditional sexual relationships.” Since the individual cases were handled behind closed doors, the exact nature of the violations is unknown. For each case, Apple was fined 2.5 million rubles (27,666 euros).
Over 70,000 participants at Brussels Pride
Around 70,000 people took part on Saturday afternoon in the centre of the capital in the 29th edition of the Brussels Pride parade. The full event attracted 220,000 visitors. This year’s theme was: “Unite, time to protect our rights.” The march was mostly peaceful, except for an incident involving the N-VA party’s float being pelted. Two people were arrested by police, who walked alongside the political party’s float with dozens of officers in riot gear.
Belgium backs UN LGBTQI+ expert’s mandate
Belgium will support the renewal in June of the mandate of the United Nations Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. This was announced by the Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT).
Belgium Climbs to Second Place on ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map
Belgium now ranks second in ILGA-Europe’s annual Rainbow Map, scoring 85%. The country surpasses Iceland (84%) and trails only Malta, which maintains the top position with 89%. Denmark (80%) and Spain (78%) complete the top five. The United Kingdom, Georgia, and Hungary have each dropped six to seven places in the rankings.
An increasing number of hate crimes against LGBTI people
In 2024, more than one-third of hate crimes reported to Unia and the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men targeted LGBTI individuals. Unia closed 136 cases related to sexual orientation, surpassing those concerning other protected characteristics such as race or religion. Among these cases, 35% involved homophobic, lesbophobic, or biphobic acts. Over a third involved physical assaults, with a similar percentage involving serious intimidation.
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