About Belgium

Tourist Overview of Belgium

Belgium is a captivating European destination renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and picturesque landscapes.
Visitors can explore medieval towns like Bruges and Ghent, with their cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and charming canals.
Brussels, the capital, offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere with stunning landmarks such as the Grand Place, Atomium, and numerous museums showcasing art, history, and chocolate heritage.

Belgian cuisine is a highlight for many travelers, famous for its waffles, chocolates, and beer.
The country boasts hundreds of unique beer varieties brewed in traditional and modern styles, alongside hearty dishes like moules-frites (mussels with fries) and stoofvlees (Flemish beef stew).
Food markets and cozy cafés provide ample opportunities to savor local flavors.

Nature lovers can enjoy the Ardennes region, characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and kayaking.
The coastline along the North Sea offers sandy beaches and charming seaside towns like Ostend and Knokke-Heist.
Belgium's compact size makes it easy to combine urban exploration with countryside relaxation.

Belgium is also known for its vibrant festivals and events celebrating art, music, and LGBTQ+ culture.
Annual Pride parades in Brussels and Antwerp attract diverse crowds and showcase the country’s commitment to inclusivity.
The blend of historic charm, culinary delights, natural beauty, and progressive social values makes Belgium a welcoming and enriching destination for all travelers.

LGBTQ+ Overview

Legal Protections and Rights

Belgium is considered one of the most progressive countries in Europe regarding LGBTQ+ rights. It legalized same-sex marriage in 2003, becoming the second country worldwide to do so. Adoption rights are fully extended to same-sex couples, allowing joint adoption and second-parent adoption. Anti-discrimination laws are comprehensive, covering employment, goods and services, education, and housing. Gender recognition procedures are accessible, with legal gender changes permitted without mandatory surgery since recent reforms.

Social Acceptance and Attitudes

Social acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in Belgium is generally high. Belgian society is known for its liberal and inclusive attitudes, particularly in urban centers such as Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. Public opinion polls consistently show strong support for LGBTQ+ rights, and LGBTQ+ visibility is prominent in media, politics, and culture. However, as with many countries, some rural or conservative areas may exhibit less acceptance.

Safety Concerns and Risks

Incidents of hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people in Belgium are relatively low compared to many other countries, and when they do occur, they are taken seriously by law enforcement. Police forces have protocols to address hate crimes and provide protection to vulnerable communities. Belgium has specialized units and training programs to improve police response to LGBTQ+ issues. Nonetheless, isolated cases of verbal harassment or discrimination can occur, particularly in less urbanized areas.

Resources and Support Organizations

Belgium hosts a variety of well-established LGBTQ+ organizations offering support, advocacy, and community services. Notable groups include Çavaria, which works on LGBTQ+ rights and awareness, and RainbowHouse Brussels, a community center providing social and health services. There are also numerous local and regional support networks, including those focused on youth, transgender individuals, and HIV/AIDS prevention.

Notable Events and Incidents

Belgium regularly hosts Pride events, with Brussels Pride and Antwerp Pride being major annual celebrations drawing thousands of participants. These events are widely supported by local authorities and receive strong community participation. In recent years, Belgium has seen continued legislative progress, such as improvements in transgender rights and anti-discrimination enforcement. There have been no major negative incidents undermining LGBTQ+ safety in recent years, reflecting the country's stable and supportive environment.