Welcome to Brussels: A Friendly Guide for LGBTQIA+ Newcomers

So, you’re arriving in Brussels this September—maybe as a student, European intern, or new resident? Brussels is a blend of cultures and communities, and offers plenty of room for LGBTQIA+ life. 2nd in the International Lesbians & Gay Association-Europe rankings, Belgium has, for a long time, been committed to the rights and inclusion of LGBT people.

Brussels embodies the committed and festive reflection of this desire for inclusion: festivals, parties, associations… and a Brussels Pride festival that brought together more than 200,000 people in 2024, and has now been recognised as intangible cultural heritage of the Brussels-Capital Region.

The capital has made open-mindedness and acceptance a real way of life, both for its inhabitants and for its visitors.

The City: What to Expect

Brussels is quirky, multicultural, and welcoming. From the lively bars near Sainte-Catherine to the rainbow crosswalks on Rue du Marché au Charbon, there’s something for everybody.

At the heart of the scene is Rainbow House Brussels, a vibrant hub connecting more than thirty LGBTQIA+ associations. Here, you’ll find support groups, legal advice, social gatherings, activist meetings, and a welcoming bar that hosts weekly events. From coming out support and trans advocacy to parties and political discussions, Rainbow House is a launching pad for friendships and activism alike.

Brussels is host to a variety of LGBTQIA+ cultural festivals, from Pride celebrations to queer film screenings at venues like Cinema Galeries. The city supports artists, writers, and thinkers from across the spectrum, with workshops, readings, and exhibitions that foster dialogue and creativity.

Brussels’ LGBTQIA+ community is multilingual, multicultural, and genuinely inclusive—offering spaces for encounter, support, and celebration. From activist groups to sports teams and nightlife, there is an open invitation to make connections and feel at home.

Upsides:

• Multilingual and international—English, French, Dutch and many more…
• Well-developed public transport.
• Plenty of green parks, cafés, and legendary fries.

Challenges:

• Rainy weather—pack an umbrella.
• Apartment searches get busy in autumn—be cautious, start early.
• Registration and paperwork requires persistence (and maybe a local friend’s help).

LGBTQIA+ Community Spaces

Rainbow House Brussels
The beating heart of Brussels’ queer scene, Rainbow House hosts events, brings together local LGBTQIA+ associations, and offers a friendly community bar. They’re open for advice, activism, or just hanging out. Find upcoming events and useful info on their website:
➡️ https://rainbowhouse.be/

Brussels Gay Sports (BGS)
Want to play sports and meet people? BGS is for everyone: volleyball, swimming, badminton, running, and more. They welcome all levels—so feel free to try anything!
➡️ https://www.bgs.org/

Places to Visit (with links)

• De Belgica: Friendly queer bar. https://www.facebook.com/LeBelgicaBrussels/
• Chez Maman: Legendary drag shows. https://www.chezmaman.com/
• La Reserve: Mixed crowd café-bar. https://www.instagram.com/lareseve_brussels/
• Rainbow Crosswalk: Rue du Marché au Charbon—an iconic photo spot.
• The Crazy Circle : a tiny cosy bar located in Ixelles
• Cinema Galeries: Indie and LGBTQIA+ friendly film screenings. https://www.galeries.be/

Find parties, film festivals, activist workshops, and meetups through Rainbow House and Visit Brussels!

Useful Resources

Visit Brussels — Tourism Office
Visit Brussels features a great agenda, including LGBTQIA+ activities, parties, exhibits, and nightlife to explore the city your way.
➡️ https://visit.brussels/fr/visiteurs
The agenda is regularly updated and very LGBTQIA+ friendly.

Quick Tips

• Drop by Rainbow House—the team is always happy to advise.
• Explore lively neighborhoods: Saint-Gilles, Forest, Schaerbeek are both creative and more affordable.
• Ket.brussels still with you along the journey 🙂

Final Thought

Brussels may seem reserved at first, but the city truly opens itself to those who make the effort. Dive into the local scene, join LGBTQIA+ events, and let yourself discover a city that is both welcoming and wonderfully itself.