Anyone walking onto the Main Campus of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel these days will notice them straight away: the Pride flags are back. In the lead-up to Brussels Pride 2026 on Saturday 16 May, the university is once again making its support for LGBTQIA+ communities visible across campus.
And these are not the traditional rainbow flags. Since 2022, the VUB has deliberately chosen to fly the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride flag. The design places extra emphasis on the visibility and inclusion of groups that often receive less attention, even within LGBTQIA+ communities themselves, including transgender, non-binary and intersex people.
For decades, the rainbow flag has been an international symbol of diversity and solidarity. Over time, it has evolved alongside the broader fight for equal rights and representation. The current version combines the familiar rainbow colours with additional elements representing transgender people, people of colour and intersex communities.
With this choice, the university is making a clear statement about the kind of campus it wants to be: a place where everyone can feel free to be themselves. That message also lies at the heart of Brussels Pride 2026, where VUB and Université libre de Bruxelles will take part together for the eighth consecutive year.
Under the slogan “Pride Lights Up The Darkness”, students, staff and alumni will march through the streets of Brussels on Saturday 16 May. Not only to celebrate, but also to continue calling for equal rights, safety and inclusion for LGBTQIA+ communities.
To learn more about the history of Pride flags, visit Çavaria.
Join us at Brussels Pride 2026
On Saturday 16 May, VUB and ULB will once again take part in Brussels Pride 2026. Everyone is welcome to join the march behind the universities’ shared parade float. We will gather from 1.00 pm onwards on Ravensteinstraat/Rue Ravenstein in Brussels.
