Belgium’s First LGBTQIA+ Medical Center Opens in Brussels: Maison Arc-en-Ciel de la Santé

A groundbreaking step for inclusive healthcare in Belgium: the Maison Arc-en-Ciel de la Santé (MACS), the country’s first medical center specifically oriented towards LGBTQIA+ people, officially opened its doors on Monday, February 3, 2025. Located at 20 rue des Grands Carmes, within the LGBTQIA+ Community Center of Grands Carmes in central Brussels, MACS aims to provide quality, respectful, and non-discriminatory healthcare for all, with a focus on the needs of sexual, gender, and sex characteristic minorities.

A Milestone for LGBTQIA+ Health Access

MACS is the 55th medical center accredited by the COCOF (French Community Commission) and is open to everyone, but with a special mission: to address the specific health and reception needs of LGBTQIA+ people, who often face barriers in accessing adequate care. The center’s services can be accessed by appointment via www.macs.brussels or by calling 02/372.01.22.

Mike Mayné, president of Maison Arc-en-Ciel de la Santé, highlights the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ patients:

For many LGBTQIA+ individuals, revealing or discussing their sexual orientation, sex characteristics, or gender identity can be a barrier to accessing care. This ‘medical coming out’ complicates relationships with healthcare professionals. Numerous studies show that LGBTQIA+ people are in poorer health than the general population. A lack of open communication with doctors can lead to missed symptoms and late diagnoses, with serious consequences for health.

Comprehensive and Inclusive Care

MACS offers a wide range of services, including:

• General medical consultations
• Psycho- and sex-therapy sessions
• STI testing and prevention
• Chemsex support
• Social services and guidance
• Referrals to a network of LGBTQIA+-friendly professionals

The center is also committed to training and raising awareness among medical and paramedical staff about the specific needs of this marginalized population. This initiative is part of a broader project to improve LGBTQIA+ healthcare education in Belgian universities.

A Community-Driven Initiative

MACS is the result of collaboration between three leading LGBTQIA+ organizations:

• Ex Aequo: A health promotion non-profit focused on reducing STI and HIV transmission among men who have sex with men, and improving their quality of life.
• Genres Pluriels: A national non-profit advocating for the depathologization of trans and intersex identities, coordinating the Belgian Trans* and Inter* Psycho-Medico-Social Network, and providing legal support.
• Tels Quels: A non-profit defending the rights and freedoms of all LGBTQIA+ individuals, offering social action, education, and community support.

Looking Ahead: A Hub for the Community

MACS is part of the larger Grands Carmes LGBTQIA+ Community Center project. The City of Brussels’ property management will begin renovating the 2,300-square-meter site in 2026, transforming it into the city’s flagship LGBTQIA+ community hub.

Towards Inclusive Healthcare for All

With its opening, Maison Arc-en-Ciel de la Santé marks a major step towards accessible, inclusive, and high-quality healthcare for all, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or sex characteristics. It stands as a model for other cities and countries seeking to address the health disparities faced by LGBTQIA+ communities.

For appointments and more information:
www.macs.brussels
Tel: 02/372.01.22