photos: Eïden Sauvage, Achille Pace et Nathan Leclercq
Pixiels is the federation of queer youth hubs in French-speaking Belgium, founded in 2012 by the Cercles Homosexuels Estudiantins (Student Homosexual Circles) of Brussels, Liège and Namur.
Since then, these circles – now known as hubs – have evolved and new ones have emerged. Initially targeting mainly the student population, the current audience of these youth groups has expanded to include all queer young people under the age of 30, as well as their friends and those who are questioning their identity. These spaces for socialising and expression, which are present in all major Belgian cities – Brussels, Charleroi, Liège, Louvain-la-Neuve, Mons, Namur and Verviers – each have their own identity but share common goals: the emancipation of young people, the fight for equal rights and opportunities for these LGBTQIAP+ young people, and the building of a more inclusive society.
In addition to young people, several permanent staff members are employed by the non-profit organisation. Their mission is to handle administrative management, train professionals who work with young people, lead awareness-raising workshops for students in schools, and support the hubs in their day-to-day activities.
Along with local activities, members of the various groups come together to carry out joint projects: creating awareness-raising or citizen expression tools, cultural activities, inter-circle events, outings… and, above all, the famous Pride trips!
Annual trips to different Pride events
Pride trips: Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Luxembourg
Three cities, three experiences, one shared pride
This year, the Pride trip took us to Luxembourg. The atmosphere was friendly and festive, more intimate than in some big cities, but just as marked by pride and solidarity. The streets were filled with colourful flags, music and protest slogans, reminding us of the importance of visibility and the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights.
The previous year, we took part in Frankfurt Pride. Despite a few unexpected events during our stay, the experience was very positive overall. The city, which is larger and livelier, offered a particularly impressive Pride event due to its scale. The numerous and varied parades displayed striking diversity and contagious energy. It left a strong, motivating and inspiring memory.
The very first Pride trip took place in Amsterdam. The experience was unforgettable. Amsterdam is known for its openness and festivities, which gives an even more symbolic dimension to a Pride event organised in this iconic city.
Before Amsterdam, we spent several years without a Pride trip, as Pixiels was going through a more difficult period in terms of youth engagement and the motivation of its permanent staff. Since then, the team has been renewed and we have seen an increase in the number of members at Pixiels. One day, we would like to have enough motivated young people to discover Prides in countries outside Europe, as in 2017, when Pixiels travelled to Montreal.
These annual trips not only celebrate diversity, but also strengthen bonds between members and create memorable moments.
This year’s experience in Luxembourg
In July, we had the opportunity to travel to Luxembourg for Pride. This trip allowed us to discover a country that is both modern and historic, but also very committed to issues of diversity and inclusion.
Together, we chose a varied programme: cultural visits (museums, exhibitions), social activities (bowling, games, shared meals) and exploring the city.
One of the highlights of the trip was discovering local initiatives related to the LGBTQIA+ community in the association village on Pride Day. Local associations presented their actions to make public spaces more inclusive and support queer youth. This gave our stay a contemporary and inspiring dimension.
Upon our arrival in Luxembourg on Pride Run day, we were welcomed by the Rainbow Centre for a workshop on creating activist placards. The next day, we proudly waved them during the Pride march.
This creative workshop was an excellent icebreaker between all the members of Pixiels and our hosts at the Rainbow Centre.
Beyond the cultural aspect, the atmosphere within the group was friendly. Between meals, discussions and laughter, we shared a rich and unifying collective experience. This trip will remain a wonderful discovery for us, both culturally and personally.
