Who we are
Queer March is organized by a collective of queer-identifying volunteers. We work independently and operate from a grassroots approach, with no political or institutional affiliations. Our goal is to create positive change by making space for ourselves in our city.
We strive to build inclusive and safer spaces where everyone feels welcome. Hate speech, discrimination, and microaggressions have no place with us. We stand proudly behind our values: queer, feminist, anti-colonial, anti-racist, and anti-ableist. We believe in trans rights, in true accessibility for all, and in freedom for oppressed communities. Our solidarity extends across the world, including movements for justice in Palestine, Congo, and Sudan.
As a collective, we are committed to learning and growing together. Mistakes may happen, but we remain dedicated to listening, self-reflection, and improvement. We encourage you to share ideas or feedback via vzwjanet@gmail.com or through our socials.
Queer March aims to
- connect queer people and organizations
- empower the queer community
- educate and create open dialogue
- celebrate queer pride and diversity
Together, we stand stronger in facing the rising tide of anti-queer and anti-trans sentiment. While extreme right-wing voices grow louder, unison matters more than ever.
What our support looks like
Queer March supports Ghent’s queer community in several ways:
- We gather funds to financially support queer organizations and initiatives.
- Part of this funding comes from a subsidy by the City of Ghent, which helps make activities affordable—or even free—for the community.
- We partner with queer-owned spaces where community members can host their own events. In 2025, this included Chopin Chopin, Vol Pension, and Geheel De Uwe.
- We run our own community programming, such as panel talks, art exhibitions, workshops, and parties.
Ghent’s radical queer roots
- In 1973, Belgium’s first ever public queer march took place in Ghent during a national pro-choice demonstration, when gays, lesbians and bisexuals claimed space in the streets.
- In 1978, Ghent hosted the first “Homosexual Day,” organized by De Rooie Vlinder (The Red Butterfly), a leftist, feminist queer collective.
- Poster reference: Internationale Homodag Gent 18 maart 1978, via Fonds Suzan-Daniel, AMSAB-ISG.
Queer March proudly reclaims this revolutionary heritage.
How Queer March began
It started as a conversation between friends around a kitchen table in 2022.
In 2023, we founded vzw Janet and launched an open call for volunteers.
In March 2024, the first Queer March became a reality with a full day of activities at De Vooruit:
- Panel talks: “Pride in crisis?” and “Queer belonging.”
- Workshops such as “Feminizing techniques” and “Coffee & Families.”
- A fair showcasing queer organizations and queer-owned businesses.
- A full day of connection, reflection, and community joy.
In 2025, we expanded into a full-month edition.
- Activities across the entire month of March.
- CrossFit sessions, open mic nights, panel talks, drag shows, and more
- Dozens of opportunities for community building.
Queer March turns every March queer
This year, for the second time, we take over the entire month of March to celebrate, connect, and empower. Join us, organize something, collaborate, volunteer, or simply show up. Every form of participation helps build a stronger queer community.
Queer March Ghent 