Diversity & Inclusion

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS – ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE BRUSSELS 2026 We meet to allow persons working in the EU Quarter to come along after work and learn how they can help with the Parade Organisation. Volunteers from all nationalities are welcome. More Volunteer Meetings will be organised in the coming weeks.. We meet at the Meeting Point ( nearest metro Schuman or Maelbeek) Come along and briefed and see how you can help. The 18th Brussels Saint Patrick’s Day Parade of the Nations & Regions takes place on Sunday 15th March 2026. We are looking for stewards, musicians, social media helpers and community volunteers to help bring next year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade to life. The parade celebrates the Irish national holiday and the global story of Irish people who have made their homes around the world. Here in Brussels, it is a chance to share Irish art, music, and culture with the wider community and to welcome everyone, Irish or not, into the spirit of inclusion and openness. The event also shines a light on Brussels as a diverse and international capital. It brings together people from many nations and regions, highlights the city’s architecture and heritage, and shows how Belgium and Ireland share long and surprising links stretching back to the 6th century. By joining the volunteer team, you will help create a lively, family-friendly day in the heart of the city. Your support helps us grow a parade that reflects the best of Brussels and strengthens the bonds between our communities. If you would like to get involved, message us here or contact 📧 patricks.day.parade(at)gmail.com

**Beyond Relocation: Integrating and Belonging in Belgium** By Helena Andre Brussels, 25 February 2026 Please register here: https://www.imaginationclub.org/brussels/beyond_relocation.php Relocating to Belgium is more than an administrative transition, it is an emotional, cultural and identity journey. This 90-minute interactive workshop invites experienced expatriates to reflect on their integration path, better understand the different phases of adaptation, and reconnect with their personal intention for being here. Through guided reflection, small-group discussions and practical insights, participants will gain clarity on where they stand today, and how to consciously shape the next chapter of their life in Belgium. **What you can expect to explore and take away from this workshop:** \* A clear understanding of the Expat Curve. \* Insight into how habits, community choices and social environments influence integration. \* Reflection on identity, belonging and the balance between home culture and host culture. \* Practical strategies to build meaningful connections (language, local networks, routine, home environment). \* Personal tools to move forward intentionally from their current stage of integration Participants will leave with renewed perspective, practical integration tools, and a deeper awareness of how to create a life in Belgium that feels aligned, grounded and authentic. **About Helena** Helena Andre is a PhD researcher, career coach, facilitator, and well-being practitioner, specialising in emotional resilience, intercultural communication, and supporting expatriates through career transitions and identity shifts. **Practical Information** **When** Wednesday, 25 February 2026 from 18h45-21h00 **Where?** **Timesmore** Boulevard St Michel 47, 1040 Brussels **How much?** €15 to cover expenses including materials, drinks, snacks, etc. - payable at the door. Register here: https://www.imaginationclub.org/brussels/beyond_relocation.php **Please Share** If you feel your friends, family and/or colleagues may be interested in this workshop, please share it with them. The Imagination Club relies on new participants to cover our operational costs and maintain a diverse, perceptive and intelligent audience (in other words, people like you) for our events. Might you be interested to give a workshop at the Imagination Club? Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned professional, you are welcome to try out your workshop ideas at the club. We have dates available for this spring and summer

🌟 Hello Yogis and Future Yogis! 🌟 NEW YEAR - New You ? :-) Maybe you've always wanted to try a Men-Only Yoga class but kept putting it off to January ? :) Well... January is here now - so no more reasons for you not to join our weekly Yoga Class **exclusively for men**. Gay, Bi, Trans, ally, curious, we don't really care... if you identify as male and have friendly vibes - come and join us ! Ladies, unfortunately you'll have to skip this one - but come and join us on Sunday mornings ! :) 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️ Class takes place every **Wednesday evening - from 18:30 to 19:45 :)** After class, we can hang around for a cup of tea and a chat, or go for a drink - depending on the energy. No need to worry if you've never tried Yoga before – everyone is welcome, beginners included! 🌈 Just bring yourself in some comfy clothes and let the magic happen :-). 🌿 **Class Details:** * Classes take place [Merci Wellness - Place Dillens 1, 1060 Saint-Gilles](https://www.merci-wellness.be/plan-acces.php). Very easy to get there, either by bike or metro (Hotel des Monnaies). * ⏰ 18:30 to 19:45 (doors will open at 18:15 - **class starts at 18:30 sharp** \- not possible to join after that **as the door will be closed**). 💸 **Cost:** * First class: 10 euros 🌟 * Single class: 15 euros 🧘‍♂️ * 5-class pass: 65 euros (valid for 3 months - a great deal for regular yogis! 🎉) You can pay your class on site either in CASH or through PAYCONIC. For more info - follow us on [Instagram.com/queeryogabrussels](http://www.instagram.com/queeryogabrussels) **Come and try it !** Spend a moment in a nice atmosphere and discover the benefits of Yoga, from increased flexibility, better posture, a stronger body to a calmer mind. See you on the mat! 🧘‍♀️✨ Edson P.S. We also have a "mixed gender" class on Sunday mornings from 11:00 to 12:15 - make sure to check it out on Meetup !

Leadership today often comes with pressure, uncertainty, and a lot of responsibility. In this session, we’ll slow down and look at two inner qualities that quietly influence how we show up as leaders: hope and optimism. Not the forced “everything will be fine” kind. But the grounded, realistic kind that helps leaders stay steady, make choices, and keep moving forward—especially when things are unclear. Together, we’ll explore: • What hope looks like in everyday leadership • How optimism shapes decision-making, energy, and resilience • Where leaders tend to lose hope—and how to reconnect with it • Simple, practical ways to strengthen both without denying reality As always, expect thoughtful conversation, shared experiences, and space to think out loud with others who understand the realities of leadership. This is not a lecture or a networking sprint—it’s a learning circle designed for depth, honesty, and connection. ✨ Spots are limited. Join us.

Given the current state of affairs, one can wonder which step world leaders will take next, and which means they will use to do so. Technological and scientific progress can be in part attributed to the military, as can historical changes. Civilisations evolve, but having an army remains a constant. Is it a necessary evil ? Can we do without it ? If not, why not ? Tonight, we will be discussing the societal role of the military. Please join us with some humour, some paper and a pen. Looking forward to seeing you all.

**🗨️ Let’s talk Dutch together!** We are meeting up for an informal chat to practice. Native speakers are appreciated! No preparation needed, come and go as you like! ❗**Rules and practical info -------------------------------------** \- Make sure you respond to the event\, it is very helpful for the organizer\. Don’t forget to remove it if you cannot make it\! \- A minimum level of A2\-B1 is recommended\. **\- Please purchase at least one thing to support the location\.** Do not consume external food or drinks there. *Visit the website [languagebuddies.be](http://languagebuddies.be) for the event calendar, other social links, information on how to organize something yourself, and more!*

EN (FR en bas): We're still accepting people in our classes. Join us!​ -step 1: Book here! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html) -step 2: Show up! Schedule: [Monday to Thursday](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#schedule) Fees : [All info on trials, packs, subscriptions here](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#fees) Locations: -Rue Brialmont 7, Brussels Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1: From base to the dancefloor! When you come for the first time we go over the base & rhythm with you. Then you are included in the group and everybody learns the same new steps for which you just need the base. Practice makes perfect: just relax and enjoy Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop and/or Forró! Our group is very welcoming and looking forward to meet new dancers! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2: Ready to go deeper on Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop &/or Forró? Let's go! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3: Looking for #SalsaChallenge? Already familiar with Forró Root? We've got your back! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates) More info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be](https://www.danceproject.be) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project) \-\-\-\-\- FR: Nous acceptons encore de nouvelles personnes dans nos cours. Rejoins-nous ! -1ère pas : Fait ta réservation ! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html) -2ème pas : Vient danser ! Horaire : [lundi à jeudi](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#horaire) Les prix : [Toutes les infos sur les essais, packs, abonnements ici](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#prix) Endroits : -Rue Brialmont 7, Bruxelles Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1 : De la base à la piste de danse ! Lorsque tu nous rejoins on voit la base et le rythme avec toi. Ensuite, tu es inclus dans le groupe et tout le monde apprend les mêmes pas pour lesquelles tu as juste besoin de la base. C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron : détend-toi et profite la Salsa, de la Bachata, du Lindy Hop et/ou du Forró ! Notre groupe est très accueillant et a hâte de rencontrer de nouveaux danseurs ! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2 : Prêt à approfondir la Salsa, la Bachata, le Lindy Hop &/ou le Forró ? Allons-y! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3 : Tu cherches #DefiSalsa ? Tu connais déjà Forró Roots ? Nous sommes là pour toi ! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires) Plus d’info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html](https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project)

### FR En février, le monde mange en fête. D’un côté, le Carnaval de Rio. De l’autre, le Nouvel An chinois. Au milieu ? La nourriture comme langage universel. Dans ce groupe on croit que la diversité et l’inclusion passent aussi par ce qu’on partage autour d’une table. Alors, on te propose une soirée food-first, chill et ouverte : manger, discuter, rire, danser un peu… Guest: **Kyra Nkezabera - Miss Belgium 2026 Finalist** Qui sait… peut-être que ton âme sœur se cache entre un pão de queijo et un dim sum 👀✨ 📅 **Jeudi 26 février** **⏰ 18h – 22h** **📍 Regus – Boulevard Industriel 9** **Informations sur les billets :** **-Entrée libre (boissons et nourriture non incluses)** Profitez de l’accès à l’événement, à la musique et aux moments de networking dans une ambiance chaleureuse et conviviale. Des boissons seront disponibles à l’achat sur place si vous le souhaitez. **Envie de profiter pleinement de l’expérience culinaire ?** **-Welcome Drink + Food Buffet (30 €)** Comprend l’accès complet à l’événement, un verre de bienvenue et un accès illimité au buffet inspiré du Brésil et de la Chine. Idéal si vous souhaitez vous immerger pleinement dans ce voyage culinaire et profiter de la soirée au maximum. Reservation : [https://www.tiinatii.io/events/food-trip-rio-x-china-994932d2](https://www.tiinatii.io/events/food-trip-rio-x-china-994932d2) **DRESS CODE** Chill & colorful Un détail brésilien 🇧🇷 ou chinois 🇨🇳, ou juste ton meilleur sourire 😌 **MENU** 🇨🇳 CHINE Plat principal \* Riz cantonais aux scampis Accompagnements \* Nems au porc \* Jiaozi (raviolis : crevettes, légumes, poulet) 🇧🇷 BRÉSIL Plat principal * Feijoada traditionnelle * 👉 Servie avec riz blanc ou farofa Accompagnements * Pão de queijo * Coxinhas Toutes les viandes utilisées pour nos plats (sauf nems au porc) sont **HALAL** Boissons : * Bissap à base de sirop de litchi * Limonade brésilienne * Cocktails d'[ Artmonya ](https://www.instagram.com/artmonya_cocktails/)à la carte . **EN** In February, the world celebrates through food. On one side, the Carnival of Rio. On the other, the Chinese New Year. And in between? Food as a universal language. In our group, we believe diversity and inclusion also happen around the table. So, we’re inviting you to a food-first, chill and open evening ... a place to eat, talk, laugh, and maybe dance a little… Guest: **Kyra Nkezabera – Miss Belgium 2026 Finalist** Who knows… maybe your soulmate is hiding somewhere between a pão de queijo and a dim sum 👀✨ 📅 **Thusday , February 26** **⏰ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM** **📍 Regus – Boulevard Industriel 9** **DRESS CODE** : Chill & colorful One Brazilian 🇧🇷 or Chinese 🇨🇳 detail, or simply your best smile 😌 **Ticket information :** -**Free Entrance** (no drinks or food included) Enjoy access to the event, music, and networking moments in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Drinks will be available for purchase on site if you wish. Want to enjoy the **full food experience**? -**Welcome Drink + Food Buffet** (€30) Includes full event access, one welcome drink, and unlimited access to the food buffet inspired by Brazil and China. Perfect if you’d like to fully immerse yourself in the culinary journey and enjoy the evening to the fullest. Book here : [https://www.tiinatii.io/events/food-trip-rio-x-china-994932d2](https://www.tiinatii.io/events/food-trip-rio-x-china-994932d2) 🇨🇳 CHINA Main dish * Cantonese fried rice with scampi Sides * Pork spring rolls * Jiaozi dumplings (shrimp, vegetables, chicken) 🇧🇷 BRAZIL Main dish * Traditional feijoada * 👉 Served with white rice or farofa Sides * Pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread) * Coxinhas (Brazilian chicken croquettes) All meats used in our dishes (except the pork spring rolls) are **HALAL**. DRINKS * Bissap with lychee syrup * Brazilian lemonade [Artmonya](https://www.instagram.com/artmonya_cocktails/) cocktails à la carte.

Making new friends in a new city doesn’t need to be a struggle at all.

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

Ciao a tutti! Ci ritroviamo ogni venerdì dalle 18:00 per un bicchiere (si può anche mangiare) da Poppy's Bar, che si trova a 2 minuti di camminata da Parvis St Gilles. Un tavolo per 20 persone è riservato sotto il nome di Salvatore. Dunque, se non ci sono o se sarò in ritardo, potrete chiedere al barista. È un incontro informale, perché non è un evento strutturato, ma piuttosto un gruppo di persone che si riuniscono per parlare e praticare l'italiano. Anche i nativi italiani sono benvenuti :) Tutto ciò che serve è un sorriso — e puoi anche portare un amico! 👉 **Importante:** * È obbligatorio essere iscritti all’evento su Meetup per partecipare. L’iscrizione è importante per gli organizzatori, perché permette di conoscere il numero dei partecipanti e di garantire la sicurezza e il benessere di tutti i presenti. * Se cambiano le vostre circostanze e non potete più venire, annullate la vostra partecipazione per lasciare posto ad altri. * Vi chiediamo di assicuravi di pagare i vostri consumi, per evitare che gli organizatori saranno rimasti a pagare per gli altri. * Si prega di non parlare di politica cosi ci godiama la serata in tranquilita, di rispettare tutti i partecipanti e di non trattare l’incontro come un appuntamento romantici o intimo: l’obiettivo è semplicemente praticare e migliorare l’italiano in un ambiente piacevole e rilassato. PS : FR - Table de conversation en italien chaque vendredi de 18h00 à 22h00 au bar Poppy's, à deux minutes à pied du Parvis St-Gilles" (adresse : rue de Moscou 11, 1060 Saint-Gilles) NL - Praattafel in het Italiaans elke vrijdag van 18.00 tot 22.00 uur in de Poppys bar, op twee minuten lopen van Sint-Gillisvoorplein (adres: 11 Moskoustraat, 1060 Sint-Gillis) EN - Conversation table in Italian every Friday from 18:00 till 22:00 at Poppy's, 2 minutes walk from tram stop Parvis Saint-Gilles (address : Rue de Moscou 11, 1060 Saint-Gilles) ES - Mesa de conversación en Italiano cada viernes desde las 18:00 hasta las 22:00 en el bar Poppy's, a dos minutos a pie de la parada del tranvía Parvis St-Gilles (direccion: Rue de Moscou 11, 1060 Saint-Gilles)

Dear Folks, Let’s grab a coffee at **Tich at 14h00**, have a little chit-chat, get to know each other, and then head to **BOZAR at 15h00** to enjoy some art together ☕🎨 You can find the exhibition info here: (make sure you have tickets) https://www.bozar.be/en/calendar/bellezza-e-bruttezza **Contribution to Our Events:** Starting this year, we kindly ask participants to contribute in one of the following ways: **€5** per event, or **€40** annual membership fee If you feel like supporting us beyond this, to help people who can’t afford it, you are very welcome to do so 💛 If the contribution is a concern for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly 😉 * These contributions will help us: Cover the annual Meetup platform fee Encourage everyone to respect RSVPs (Last year, we experienced a significant number of no-shows at several events, which made planning and logistics considerably more challenging.) **P.S. We will donate 10% collected fees to support Queer oriented organisations in the end of the year. Your contribution means a lot to our commnutity.** *Yifei Yang BE 1236 3234 512 492* *Communication: your name+ event name/membership* Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation. **Cheers!** 🍻 Yifei

Join us on **Thursday, February 26** for a very special **Valentine’s Edition** of the Brussels Film Club! This time, we’re embracing the love (and the laughs) as we dive into **two romantic movies**: * The Philadelphia Story (George Cukor - 1940) * Saving Face (Alice Wu - 2004) To set the mood, everyone will kick things off by sharing their **all-time favorite romantic comedy** as part of the introductions. As always the meetup will be held **in English** and will take place on the **first floor of Café Merlo**. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic, a rom-com skeptic, or just here for the good company, this one’s for you 💞 See you there!

Join us for our February 2026 event "**GaySocial Belgium: Brussels February Mixer!**"! 🌈 **Date:** Saturday, February 28th, 2026 🕖 **Time**: 8:00 PM - Late 📍 **Location**: To be announced (Central Brussels) We're excited to again bring the together gay men in their 20s to 40s for an evening of fun, laughter, and new connections in the heart of Brussels. With the warmer temperatures now with us, it should be a wonderful evening! **What to expect:** * A warm welcome from your hosts * Chance to meet like-minded individuals in a relaxed setting * Potential for an impromptu bar hop if the group is up for it! **This free event is perfect for:** * Newcomers to Brussels looking to expand their gay social circle * Locals wanting to meet new gay friends * Anyone seeking a fun, judgment-free night out We're all about creating genuine connections and having a great time. Whether you're outgoing or a bit shy, you'll find a welcoming atmosphere here. Space is **limited**, so RSVP early to secure your spot! The exact venue will be announced to confirmed attendees a few days before the event, once we have a headcount. A few days before the event we will send location information to the Events WhatsApp group, please be sure to join this. If you do not have the link, please keep an eye on this events comments nearer the time, or by messaging me for a link. **Remember:** GaySocial Belgium is proudly neurodiversity-friendly and this initial event is focused on socializing, not dating..... **Meetup Fees** We want to keep this group accessible to all, however Meet-up have recently increased their yearly fees. These meet-up socials will remain free of charge, however would kindly accept donations towards the group fees which can be sent to me here. Thank you in advance to anyone who helps contribute! **IBAN**: BE73967216785060 **Name**: James Morris Come as you are, be yourself, and let's make this first event unforgettable! #GaySocialBelgium #LGBTQBrussels #QueerNightOut *P.S. Have ideas for future events? We'd love to hear them! Share your thoughts when you join us.*

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

Join us for a fun Saturday evening starting with dinner at Ranchero Kitchen at 6:30 PM, where we’ll be supporting an immigrant-owned local business. Pupusas: Beans, Potatoes, Veggie Homemade juices: Passionfruit, Tamarind, Horchata, Pineapple-cashew After dinner, we’ll head to Skate Zone 71 from 8:00–10:30 PM for skating, music, and good vibes. Come hungry and ready to roll! 😋🛼 Locations: Ranchero Kitchen 984 Morse Rd Columbus, OH 43229 (Same plaza as Ohio BMV license bureau) Skate Zone 71 4900 Evanswood Dr Columbus, OH 43229