Safety • Visitor Information
Pride is a celebration of freedom, and freedom needs protection.
We’re doing everything we can to make Antwerp Pride a safe and welcoming experience for everyone. On this page, you’ll find a three-step guide to where you can go: if you need immediate help, want to report something, or just want to talk to someone.
From first-aid stations and information booths to water stations and a clear code of conduct: there are people ready to help you everywhere on the grounds and along the parade route. Do you recognize our volunteers and staff? Feel free to approach them with any questions.
In an emergency
112, the European emergency number, for urgent assistance
Are you in immediate danger or do you need urgent medical assistance? Call 112. If it’s not an emergency but you’d like to report something to the police, call 0800 123 12, available 24 hours a day.
Stronger Together
Our Message on Safety
Antwerp Pride, Wel Jong, Het Roze Huis, and çavaria are speaking out together. Please take a minute and a half.
Now more than ever, it's important to let ourselves be seen
The attack on Pride in Berlin has affected us all. It doesn’t change why we take to the streets—quite the opposite. This year’s theme is “Fearless,” because we’re showing that fear won’t stop us from celebrating Pride together.
Together with the City of Antwerp and law enforcement, we’re keeping Antwerp Pride safe. And if you ever need someone to talk to—whether because you’ve been through something or just because it’s all getting to be too much—Het Roze Huis, Wel Thuis, and LUMI are here for you.
“Let’s show that we’re here and that we’ve always been here.”
At Pride itself
Help is always close by
Care and support are available throughout the route and at the festival grounds. Here’s what you can expect.
First-aid stations and information booths
You'll find first-aid stations and information booths along the entire parade route and at the festival grounds. They're all marked on the interactive map. If in doubt, always head there.
Our employees and volunteers
You can spot them by their Antwerp Pride outfits. They’re stationed all along the route and at every venue. Feel free to talk to them, whether it’s about a sign, a flat water bottle, or something you didn’t like.
Pride Information Center
A permanent location right in the heart of the city where you can go with any questions you may have, throughout the entire Pride festival. Stadsfeestzaal, Meir 78, August 1 through 9.
The Community Corner
Het Roze Huis will be at the Community Corner in the Antwerp Pride Village on Cockerillkaai. Do you need someone to talk to because something has happened to you? Feel free to stop by—there’s always someone there to listen.
Stay hydrated
If it gets hot, there will be water stations along the route thanks to Waterlink. Bring a reusable water bottle, seek out the shade on Oudeleeuwenrui, Brouwersvliet, and Kloosterstraat, and apply plenty of sunscreen. Prevention is always the best option.
Respect as a Basic Rule
Everyone is welcome, and everyone deserves respect. Inappropriate behavior, harassment, and discrimination have no place at Antwerp Pride. Anyone participating in the parade must follow the parade rules and our code of conduct.
Where can you go?
You're never on your own
Not just during Pride, but every single day. Choose what you need below, and you'll immediately see who to contact, along with the right phone numbers and hours of operation.
Immediate danger
Emergency number 112
In case of immediate danger, violence, or a medical emergency. Works throughout Europe, including via text message or the 112 app if you can't make a call.
On the grounds
First-aid station or information desk
Scattered throughout the city and on the festival grounds. For a moment of care, a moment of rest, or just to let people know that something has happened.
Police, non-urgent
Antwerp Police District
No immediate danger, but you still want the police to know? The Blue Line is available 24 hours a day.
After sexual assault
Sexual Violence Care Center
Medical care, psychological support, and forensic investigation—and, if you wish, you can file a police report on the spot. You may bring someone with you.
A listening ear
Tele-Reception
For worries big and small, day and night. Anonymous and free, with trained volunteers who are especially good at listening.
Dark Thoughts
Suicide Hotline 1813
Are you having suicidal thoughts, or are you worried about someone else? You can call anytime, and chat every evening.
During Pride
Community Corner
The Roze Huis will be at the Antwerp Pride Village on Cockerillkaai. Stop by for a chat, a break, or just to see a familiar face.
All year round
The Pink House
The beating heart of Antwerp’s LGBTQ+ community. For questions or concerns about your sexuality or gender identity, or to find a group to join.
For young people
Welcome Home
A safe(r) space for and by LGBTQIA+ young people up to age 30, an initiative of Wel Jong. You’re welcome to drop in without an appointment; participation is free. There’s also a low-stimulation room.
Anonymous
LUMI
çavaria's free and anonymous information and helpline for anything related to gender, sex, and sexual orientation. Call, chat, or email—the choice is yours.
Transgender
Transgender Information Center
For all your questions about transgender issues: information, support, and referrals. Free and anonymous, by phone, chat, or video call.
Dome
çavaria
The Flemish advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and the umbrella organization for more than 100 associations. For policy questions, training, and referrals.
Tax Return
Antwerp Police District
For a formal complaint or an informal report of discrimination, threats, stalking, or violence. You can also make an appointment online.
Discrimination
Unia
The inter-federal hotline for reporting discrimination, hate speech, and hate crimes, including those based on sexual orientation. At work, in a store, at a bar, or on public transportation.
Gender
Institute for Gender Equality
The federal hotline for reporting discrimination based on sex, gender, gender identity, and gender expression.
Violence and Abuse
1712
The professional helpline for violence, abuse, and child abuse. They listen, offer advice, and refer you to the appropriate services. It’s free and anonymous, and the call won’t appear on your phone bill.
Report anonymously
LUMI
Do you want to report an incident of discrimination or hate, but would rather not go to the police right away? At LUMI, you can share your story anonymously and work together to figure out what steps to take.
At Pride
Antwerp Pride
Did something happen at one of our events? Please speak to a staff member, visit an information desk, or let us know afterward. We take every report seriously.
Discrimination or hate crime
Report it—every report counts
Are you being insulted, threatened, or attacked because of who you are? Don't let it slide.
Every report counts.
Not just during Pride, but every single day, queer people face hate and harassment, both offline and online. The Antwerp Police take every report seriously. The more people who file a report, the more visible the problem becomes and the more effectively it can be addressed. In an emergency, always call 112.
Report it onlineNew this year
A safe place to start
The feeling of freedom begins the moment you arrive in the city.
Change Station
Right in the heart of Antwerp Central Station, the welcoming Change Station is opening: a safe space where you can change clothes, put on makeup, or get ready in peace as soon as you arrive in the city. Whether you’re traveling decked out in glitter or just want to quickly slip into your party outfit, here you’ll have all the space you need to be completely yourself.
An initiative of NMBS, in collaboration with Trainbow Belgium, the LGBTQIA+ association of the Belgian railways, and Antwerp Pride.
What You Can Do Yourself
Here's How to Celebrate Worry-Free
A few simple things can make your day a lot more relaxing.
Make plans with your friends
Agree on a specific meeting spot in advance in case you lose track of each other in the crowd. That way, you'll always be able to find each other quickly.
Get to know the information points
Take a look at the interactive map beforehand so you'll know where the first-aid stations and information points are located.
Take care of yourself
Drink plenty of water, take breaks in the shade, and listen to your body. That way, you'll be able to keep going all day long.
Get the numbers ready
Save 112 and 0800 123 12 in your cell phone before you leave. It's best not to have to look them up when you actually need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Good to Know
Quick answers to the most frequently asked questions about safety. Click on a question to expand it.
In case of immediate danger, always call 112. If there is no immediate danger, speak to a volunteer or staff member, or go to the nearest information desk or first-aid station. These are marked on the interactive map. They will assist you right away.
Yes. There are first-aid stations located throughout the city and on the festival grounds. You can find them all on the interactive map. In an emergency, always call 112.
File your report online through the Antwerp Police Zone’s e-service portal, or call the non-emergency number 0800 123 12. You can also contact Unia at 0800 12 800. Every report helps. In an emergency, always call 112.
You can reach out to LUMI, çavaria’s free and anonymous helpline, at 0800 99 533 or via chat at lumi.be. They are available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For a listening ear day or night, call Tele-Onthaal at 106.
The Roze Huis on Draakplaats is open year-round for a conversation; call 03 288 00 84. If you’re under 30, you can drop by Wel Thuis at Kavka Oudaan every Wednesday and Friday between 12:00 and 17:00. And LUMI is always available at 0800 99 533.
There are water stations along the route, courtesy of Waterlink. Bring a reusable bottle, find some shade on Oudeleeuwenrui, Brouwersvliet, and Kloosterstraat, and make sure to apply plenty of sunscreen. Prevention is always the best option.
Yes. Everyone is welcome and deserves respect. Inappropriate behavior, harassment, and discrimination have no place at Antwerp Pride. Anyone participating in the parade must follow the parade rules and our code of conduct.
All first-aid stations and information points are marked on the interactive map, both along the parade route and on the festival grounds. It’s a good idea to check it out in advance.
Celebrate Without a Care
Check out the interactive map to see where all the first-aid stations and information points are located, or find all the practical information you need for your visit. Questions? We're happy to help.