Rainbow News

SPARTACUS GAY TRAVEL INDEX 2026 | Belgium among the world’s safest destinations Belgium has been ranked among the most LGBTQIA+-friendly destinations in the world in the Spartacus Gay Travel Index 2026, the annual global ranking published by Spartacus International Gay Guide. …

Belgium has been ranked among the most LGBTQIA+-friendly destinations in the world in the Spartacus Gay Travel Index 2026.

sidetrack.blog/2026/03/14/s...

Transgender people must receive a hospital room according to their gender identity Transgender people who are admitted to hospital should be assigned a room that corresponds to their gender identity, even if this does not match the sex...

Transgender people who are admitted to hospital should be assigned a room that corresponds to their gender identity, even if this does not match the sex stated on their identity card. This is stated in an opinion issued by the National Council of the Order of Physicians.

gaylive.be/articles/tra...

Senegal doubles prison sentences for same-sex relations amid rising homophobia Senegal’s parliament has unanimously approved a new law significantly strengthening penalties for same-sex relations, doubling prison sentences and criminalising advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights. The l…

Senegal doubles prison sentences for same-sex relations amid rising homophobia.

sidetrack.blog/2026/03/13/s...

Mike (52) elected new Mister Leather Belgium Last Saturday, 52-year-old Mike was elected the new Mister Leather Belgium 2026 at Beyond Darklands. He succeeds Mister Leather Belgium 2025 Frederick....

52-year-old Mike was elected the new Mister Leather Belgium 2026 at Beyond Darklands. He succeeds Frederick. Over the coming year, the new Mister Leather mainly wants to focus on bringing together the different leather communities from both parts of the country.

gaylive.be/articles/mik...

Malaysia, which outlaws gay sex, blocks access to Grindr and Blued Malaysia has blocked access to the gay hook-up apps Grindr and Blued, as authorities step up scrutiny of queer platforms and consider further legal measures to curb their presence in the country.

Malaysia, which outlaws gay sex, blocks access to Grindr and Blued.

sidetrack.blog/2026/03/12/m...

BELGIUM | Çavaria criticises lack of investigation into homophobic motive in David Polfliet case Flemish LGBTQIA+ organisation çavaria has criticised the handling of the investigation into the murder of David Polfliet, arguing that a possible homophobic motive was never properly examined. The …

Flemish LGBTQIA+ organisation çavaria has criticised the handling of the investigation into the murder of David Polfliet, arguing that a possible homophobic motive was never properly examined.

sidetrack.blog/2026/03/11/b...

“We should be more mindful of our travel destinations and the risks they entail” “Emotional scenes at Brussels Airport in Zaventem as tourists from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Doha were able to embrace their families again”, Gazet van Antwerpen editor-in-chief Kris Vanmars…

“We should be more mindful of our travel destinations and the risks they entail”

sidetrack.blog/2026/03/09/w...

STUDY | Single life no longer a transitional phase: only one in eight actively seeking a partner Being single is no longer widely seen as a temporary stage between relationships but increasingly as a distinct life phase. A new study by the University of Antwerp shows that only 1 in 8 singles a…

Being #single is no longer widely seen as temporary stage btwn relationships but increasingly as distinct life phase. New study by the University Antwerp shows that only 1/8 singles aged 23–39 r actively looking for a LT partner, even though many remain open to one.

sidetrack.blog/2026/03/08/s...

A nightmare by MAGA or for MAGA ;-) ?

It was like that before that movement.

Why don’t active F1 drivers come out as gay? Former Formula 1 racer Ralf Schumacher (50) from Germany is said to marry his boyfriend Étienne Bousquet-Cassagne (36) from France in May. While Michael Schumacher’s brother Ralf was racing i…

Former F1 racer Ralf Schumacher is said to marry his boyfriend Étienne Bousquet-Cassagne. While Ralf was racing in F1, he was in a heterosexual relationship. RSC came out as gay in 2024. Why don’t F1 drivers come out in their active years? Well, why would they?

sidetrack.blog/2026/03/08/w...

VIDEO | Fallenium examines male indifference with single ‘Lâche’ during International Women’s Day week Belgian artist Fallenium has unexpectedly released the French-language single ‘Lâche’ (‘Coward’) during the week of International Women’s Day (8 March). The track had origin…

Belgian artist Fallenium has unexpectedly released the French-language single ‘Lâche‘ (‘Coward‘) during the week of International Women’s Day (8 March).

sidetrack.blog/2026/03/05/v...

LGBTQIA+ & worldwide politics: what will 2026 bring? What will 2026 bring regarding LGBTQIA+ issues in (world) politics? Lucy Middleton made some predictions for Context, the news site of the Thomson Reuters Foundation. A year likely to be shaped by …

What will 2026 bring regarding LGBTQIA+ issues in (world) politics?

sidetrack.blog/2026/03/05/l...

Forbidden Colours urges stronger defence of democracy and fundamental rights in EU–US relations report As the European Parliament prepares to vote on the report on EU–US political relations, Forbidden Colours has warned that the current draft report fails to address several major developments affect…

As the European Parliament prepares to vote on the report on EU–US political relations, Forbidden Colours has warned that the current draft report fails to address several major developments affecting democracy, fundamental rights and the sovereignty of the EU.

sidetrack.blog/2026/03/04/f...

VIDEO | “It’s always good to do something”: new campaign urges Antwerp residents to act against discrimination and harassment On 2 March 2026, the City of Antwerp today launched a new campaign against discrimination and harassment. With a catchy song and a series of videos, the City is calling on residents to always respo…

VIDEO | “It’s always good to do something”: new campaign urges Antwerp residents to act against discrimination and harassment

sidetrack.blog/2026/03/03/v...

Queer March Ghent returns in March 2026 Ghent in East Flanders will once again host a month of queer-focused activities in March 2026 as Queer March Ghent rolls out a city-wide programme of talks, workshops, exhibitions, performances and co...

Ghent in East Flanders will once again host a month of queer-focused activities in March 2026 as Queer March Ghent rolls out a city-wide programme of talks, workshops, exhibitions, performances and community gatherings.

www.sidetrack.be/queer-march-...

BELGIUM | Safer in theory, harsher in reality: violence and polarisation mark 2025 for LGBTQIA+ people Belgium remains one of Europe’s front-runners when it comes to legal protection for LGBTQIA+ people. Yet 2025 exposed a widening gap between progressive legislation and everyday reality, one can read ...

Belgium is a front-runner when it comes LGBTQIA+ people. Yet 2025 exposed a widening gap between progressive laws and everyday reality. A rise in homophobic and transphobic violence, declining acceptance among youngsters, and growing polarisation in public debate.

www.sidetrack.be/belgium-safe...

Europe reaches new low as LGBTQIA+ people face renewed criminalisation From Pride bans in the European Union to prosecutions under 'propaganda' and 'extremism' laws, a new report from ILGA-Europe shows that attacks on LGBTQIA+ communities have evolved into systemic suppr...

Europe reaches new low as LGBTQIA+ people face renewed criminalisation @ilgaeurope.bsky.social

www.sidetrack.be/europe-reach...

GAY TOKYO | 24 Kaikan in Asakusa (+ Ueno and Shinjuku) Autumn 2025. We – Sam and Danny, Michel and Wille, and Timothy – are travelling to Japan for a quite classic tour of the Land of the Rising Sun. We are flying separately as we used miles. On the pl…

Trying the 24 Kaikan gay bathhouse in Asakusa, Tokyo.

tripbytrip.org/2026/02/25/g...

Nederland heeft voor het eerst een openlijk homoseksuele premier In Nederland heeft de regering van Rob Jetten maandag de eed afgelegd bij koning Willem-Alexander. Na de eedaflegging volgde de traditionele bordesfoto....

NL heeft nu een gay premier.

www.gaylive.be/articles/ned...

“Free the Bulge” – The campaign is about freedom and confidence Why This Campaign Exists During an Instagram chat, I told a friend to “free the bulge.” He suggested launching it as a campaign and creating a logo. I took the challenge, expecting just a fun logo …

“Free the Bulge” – The campaign is about freedom and confidence

underwearnewsbriefs.com/2026/02/free...

Purple Friday to move to the second Friday of October from 2026 From 2026 onwards, Dutch LGBTQIA+ organisation COC Nederland, in consultation with schools, will move Purple Friday (Paarse Vrijdag) to the beginning of the school year. The annual day of solidarity w...

Purple Friday to move to the second Friday of October from 2026.

www.sidetrack.be/purple-frida...

28 FEBRUARY | Brussels Pride 2026 looking for input from LGBTQIA+ community Brussels Pride – In the Capital of Europe. That is the official name of Brussels Pride. The rebrand from Belgian Pride happened for the 2023 edition, as it is now organised by visit.brussels, the t…

On Saturday 28 February 2026, RainbowHouse Brussels is inviting the community to take part in a participatory workshop designed to shape the political themes and key demands of Brussels Pride 2026.

tripbytrip.org/2026/02/18/2...

Brussels Pride 2026 looking for input from LGBTQIA+ community Brussels Pride – In the Capital of Europe. That is the official name of Brussels Pride. The rebrand from Belgian Pride happened for the 2023 edition, as it is now organised by visit.brussels, the tour...

On Saturday 28 February 2026, RainbowHouse Brussels is inviting the community to take part in a participatory workshop designed to shape the political themes and key demands of Brussels Pride 2026.

www.sidetrack.be/brussels-pri...

TUI’s Mein Schiff launches ‘Rainbow Cruise: The Next Chapter – A Future of Unity’ for 2027 TUI’s Mein Schiff has announced a new edition of its popular LGBTQIA+ themed voyage, ‘Rainbow Cruise: The Next Chapter – A Future of Unity’, set to take place from 28 September to…

TUI’s Mein Schiff launches ‘Rainbow Cruise: The Next Chapter – A Future of Unity’ for 2027

tripbytrip.org/2026/02/14/t...

ANTWERP | Queer spring season announced at Arenberg The Arenberg theatre venue in Antwerp is gearing up for a vibrant spring packed with queer performances, talks and parties, inviting audiences to celebrate creativity, diversity and unapologetic se…

ANTWERP | #Queer spring season announced at Arenberg.

tripbytrip.org/2026/02/13/a...

Saint-Valentin : 10 films qui célèbrent l'amitié et le célibat Notre sélection de films de contre-St Valentin garantie sans guimauve

Saint-Valentin : 10 films qui célèbrent l'amitié et le célibat

tetu.com/2026/02/12/s...

Why don't active F1 drivers come out as gay? Former Formula 1 racer Ralf Schumacher (50) from Germany is said to marry his boyfriend Étienne Bousquet-Cassagne (36) from France in May. While Michael Schumacher's brother Ralf was racing in F1 betw...

Why don't #F1 drivers #comeout in their active years? Well, why would they? #gay

www.sidetrack.be/why-dont-act...

Filmfestival PinX sluit in Gent en Antwerpen af met bekroonde film Pillion Van dinsdag 27 januari tot en met 1 februari vindt opnieuw het jaarlijkse LGBTQIA+ filmfestival PinX plaats in Gent en Antwerpen. Op het programma staan...

Filmfestival PinX sluit in Gent en Antwerpen af met bekroonde film Pillion

gaylive.be/articles/fil...

TGLPDCST#41: The Road to Beyond Darklands Nog een kleine twee maanden en dan overspoelen duizenden fetisj-liefhebbers de Waagnatie in Antwerpen opnieuw voor Beyond Darklands. In deze afleverin...

TGLPDCST#41: The Road to Beyond Darklands

gaylive.be/tglpdcst41-t...

Spotlight on Mauritania, where LGBT people hide their identities for fear of stigma This article about Mauritania is one of a series of short articles on LGBTQ rights in nations with anti-gay laws.

Mauritania criminalizes same-sex sexual activity under its Penal Code, which provides a maximum possible sentence of death by stoning for men. However, in 2021, the government confirmed its de facto moratorium on the death penalty.

76crimes.com/2026/01/16/s...