Under the banner of the United* campaign, the past few months have been all about learning, celebrating, and connecting together. With the IDAHOT Week in May, the Pride Explorer* on August 8 and the Antwerp Pride Parade the following day, we once again showed how strong we stand when we join forces.

IDAHOT Week: A Powerful Statement

During the week of May 12, AUHA reflected on IDAHOT, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. While elsewhere the rights and freedoms of LGBTQI+ people are increasingly called into question, Antwerp wants to make one thing clear: this is a city where everyone is welcome and free to be themselves. By jointly raising the United* flag, students and staff show that together we form a community that celebrates diversity and rejects discrimination. The week offered a mix of activities: film screenings, get-togethers, and personal stories that touched and inspired.

Pride Explorer*

On Friday, August 8, during Queer Families in Town at Sint-Andriesplaats, AUHA organized Pride Explorer* for the very first time. Together with partners such as Çavaria and Punt VZW, we hosted interactive sessions in a temporary pop-up lecture hall. This gave young people and adults the opportunity to openly share their questions and experiences. Even the youngest participants were able to creatively express what Pride means to them.

Antwerp Pride Parade: Taking to the Streets Together

For the first time, the AUHA partners took part in the Antwerp Pride Parade together with their own truck. Our truck stood out for its sustainability: powered by a 100% electric truck (battery packs instead of a generator) and decorated with circular, CO-neutral materials. In doing so, we emphasized not only the importance of diversity and equal opportunities, but also of sustainability.

More Than Just a Moment

The many encounters, conversations, and initiatives of the past months remind us that Pride is not limited to a single week or weekend. Inclusion requires ongoing commitment and shared responsibility. Together we continue to build a society where respect, equality, and connection are self-evident.

Many thanks to everyone who joined and contributed.

Relive our participation in the Antwerp Pride Parade with our aftermovie. More photos and impressions of IDAHOT, Pride Explorer*, and the Antwerp Pride Parade can be found on our United page*.

Also a fan of the united* poster? Still have some space on your wall? Send an email to saar.vandenheuvel@auha.be and make sure to include the following information:

• how many posters you would like
• which institution or organization you study or work at