Nona's Ark: A First Pride, a Safe Haven, and a Powerful Message

On August 9, Nona Van Braeckel will take part in the Antwerp Pride Parade for the first time. But she won’t be doing it alone. Over the past few months, she has worked with five young people to build a unique float and forge a close-knit community. In the new series *De ark van Nona* on VRT MAX, you’ll discover their story—raw, honest, and hopeful.

Building visibility and trust together

Over the course of five episodes, we follow Mohammed, Sophia, Emma, Sander, and Cato—each with their own background, questions, and dreams—as they prepare for their first Pride celebration together. Their stories show how important it is to be able to be yourself, and what it means to make room for one another.

Nona talks with them about issues that concern many queer people:

• Labels – Do You Need Them, or Do They Limit You?
  What’s it like to date as a trans woman?

• What does faith mean within a queer identity?

• How do you deal with homophobia or transphobia?

In addition, Nona also seeks support and guidance from her grandfather, her best friend Kobe, and familiar voices such as Pommelien Thijs, Sam Bettens, Kids with Buns, Charlie Dewulf and others.

A parade float as a safe haven

What started as an idea turned into a real “ark”: a homemade float that not only radiates festivity but also aims to be a safe haven for those who sometimes feel like they don’t belong anywhere. In the episodes, you’ll see how friendship, vulnerability, and resilience come together—and how the group grows, both literally and figuratively, as they head toward Pride.

"Going from barely talking about my sexuality to laying all my feelings and doubts bare on VRT MAX: it took courage and tears," says Nona. "But I’ve found a wonderful community. And I hope that everyone who wonders if they can be part of it feels welcome on Nona’s ark."

Now streaming on VRT MAX – and coming soon to Antwerp Pride

The six-part series is now available to watch in its entirety on VRT MAX.

On August 9, the Nona Ark will join the Antwerp Pride Parade. You can also follow their adventures live on Nona Van Braeckel’s social media and VRT MAX.

Photos: VRT