One of the largest LGBT+ pride events in Europe has reportedly reversed itself after originally telling a Belgian Jewish group that they could only join the event if their banners did not include a Star of David, or even the use of the word “Jewish”.
Brussels Pride, which is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary this year, is understand to have given Mazal Pride, an organisation representing LGBT+ Jews in Belgium, the condition if they wished to take part in the parade.
In a post shared on the “BaLaGan! LGBT+ Jews in and around Brussels Facebook group”, one of the groups admins shared a post in which he told the hundreds of members of the group that “After several discussions with the organisers, our presence was finally accepted… but with conditions that deeply hurt us.
“Overall, they conveyed two positive messages: 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 our logo, the Magen David, or even using the word “Jewish” on our banners!”
It went on to say that “After many internal discussions, we decided that we would not give them the satisfaction of our absence. We will be there. Jewish, queer, allies, and prouder than ever — even if we respect their request to participate without overly distinctive symbols… Right now, we truly need to feel that we are not alone.”
Part of the Facebook post, which was shared widely on social media, led to significant anger from Jews.
“How nice of them to create a new closet for Jews specifically to be forced into”, one individual said, while another described how it was “pretty ironic to tell us that we can come but we can’t come as we truly are.”
It appears though that Brussels Pride have since removed their precondition for Jewish attendees, and will allow them to display symbols of their Jewishness.
