Queer Books

🌟 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 !

Hallo Freunde der deutschen Sprache, wir laden alle, die gern ihr Deutsch üben wollen und in Brüssel geblieben sind, zum nächsten Treffen ein! Bei schönen Wetter sitzen wir im Garten des James Joyce. Falls Ihr angemeldet seid, aber nicht kommen könnt, wären wir dankbar für Eure Abmeldung (WhatsApp - Mike: +32 475 60 88 68). Wir freuen uns auf den Austausch mit Euch!

Wil je sterker leren spreken voor een groep? Meer zelfvertrouwen krijgen tijdens presentaties, vergaderingen of sociale situaties? Welkom bij de eerste bijeenkomst van **De Sprekersclub Brussel** – de enige volledig Nederlandstalige Toastmastersclub in Brussel. Dit is geen cursus met theorie, maar een praktische en interactieve bijeenkomst waar je leert door te oefenen, te observeren en feedback te krijgen in een veilige en positieve omgeving. *** ## Wat kan je verwachten? Tijdens deze bijeenkomst ervaar je hoe mensen hun communicatievaardigheden ontwikkelen door: • korte voorbereide speeches • spontane spreekmomenten (vrijblijvend) • constructieve feedback • een gestructureerde maar ontspannen sfeer • kennismaking met het Toastmasters-concept Je hoeft geen ervaring te hebben. Veel gasten komen gewoon kijken tijdens hun eerste bezoek. *** ## Wat is Toastmasters? Toastmasters is een wereldwijd netwerk dat mensen helpt groeien in **publiek spreken, presentatievaardigheden en leiderschap**. Door regelmatig te oefenen en feedback te krijgen, bouwen leden stap voor stap meer zelfvertrouwen op. Meer dan een opleiding is het een leercommunity waarin iedereen elkaar vooruithelpt. *** ## Voor wie is dit? Deze bijeenkomst is ideaal als je: ✔ beter wil leren presenteren ✔ zelfverzekerder wil spreken in het Nederlands ✔ spreekangst wil overwinnen ✔ communicatievaardigheden wil verbeteren ✔ persoonlijke of professionele groei zoekt Introvert of extravert? Iedereen is welkom. *** ## Praktische info 📍 Locatie: GC Den Dam, Waversesteeweg 1741, Brussel 🕒 Start: 19u (kom gerust iets vroeger voor kennismaking) 💶 Deelname: gratis en vrijblijvend Je mag deelnemen wanneer je wil, maar observeren is perfect oké. *** ## Nieuwsgierig? Klik op **“Inschrijven”** en ontdek hoe oefenen in een ondersteunende omgeving het verschil maakt. Misschien is dit wel de plek waar spreken plots natuurlijk begint te voelen.

For much of modern history, conversations about sex have been shaped as much by silence as by expression. In many societies, desire was confined to narrow norms, regulated by religion, tradition, and law, leaving little room for individual agency or open discussion. The sexual liberation movements of the 20th century challenged these constraints, advocating for dismantling of stigma. What followed was a profound cultural shift: topics once considered taboo entered public discourse, and personal freedom in matters of intimacy became a widely embraced ideal. Today, we find ourselves in a very different landscape, one where the boundaries of that freedom continue to expand and evolve. Norms are being renegotiated in real time, and practices once seen as fringe are increasingly visible, discussed, and, in some cases, normalized. This raises an important question: how do we assess the direction and impact of these changes? As society continues to redefine its relationship with sexuality, the line between liberation and excess becomes a subject of growing debate, one that invites us to reflect not just on where we came from, but on where we are headed. This debate will follow a British Parliamentary format with eight debaters split into **four teams of two.** Participants who wish to speak are highly encouraged to bring a paper and pen. You are welcome to participate even if you have no prior debating experience. We aim for debates that are respectful, constructive, and welcoming: * **Respect ideas and people** Listen actively, stay quiet while others speak, and debate arguments, not identities or beliefs. * **Be concise and civil** Keep questions short and relevant; avoid hostility, hate speech, or discrimination. * **Respect boundaries and time** No unwanted advances or suggestive behavior; arrive on time to avoid disrupting the debate. * **Follow moderators** They guide the discussion and ensure fairness.

Join us for an enjoyable evening of laughter at our **Spring Improv Comedy Show**! 📆 Wednesday, April 1 🕣 18h - Bar 20h - Show Starts 🎟️Free entrance (first come, first served) **Donations:** There will be a tip jar Location: **BBP Dansaert** Rue Antoine Dansaert 188, 1000 Bruxelles 🌮🍻 There’s an excellent variety of beers and tacos available at the venue! Join earlier and grab your food and drinks We are Top Floor Sisters, an amateur improv group based in Brussels. We do improvised comedy in our weekly sessions. And from time to time, we like to share the silliness with others in a show, just like this one! Join us as our improvisers create hilarious scenes and stories on the spot, based on suggestions from you! You never know what surprises await! Whether you're a fan of comedy or just looking for a good time, this event is perfect for everyone. Grab your friends, grab a drink, and join us for a night of laughter and entertainment at the **Spring Improv Comedy Show**! Follow us on Instagram: @TopFloorSisters More info: linktr.ee/TopFloorSisters

Looking for a cozy and fun way to spend your time in Brussels? Join our **Board Game Meetup**, where we play a mix of strategy, party, and cooperative games. Whether you’re new to board games or an experienced player, you’re welcome! Come alone or with friends — you’ll quickly find a table to join. **Free entrance. Friendly atmosphere. Great people.**

Join us every Wednesday for an authentic Korean experience in the heart of Brussels! 🇰🇷✨ Let’s share Soju, delicious Korean food, fun karaoke sessions, and plenty of good vibes. Don’t miss our photo booth moments and the chance to meet amazing new people from all over the world! 🎉 Free entry, just order at least one drink to support the venue. 📍 Gyosang, Rue Sainte-Catherine 8, Brussels 🕢 Every Wednesday, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Come for the language exchange, stay for the laughter, food, and Soju! 🍶🎤

🌟 Hello Yogis and Future Yogis! 🌟 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️ Whether you're a seasoned Yogi or a complete beginner, come and join us every **SUNDAY MORNING - from 11:00 to 12:15 - for Queer Yoga in Brussels :)** No need to worry if you've never tried Yoga before – everyone is welcome! 🌈 Just bring yourself in some comfy clothes (mats are provided) and let the magic happen :-). 🌿 **Class Details:** * This is an "open event" - for everyone, LGBTQ people and their friends no matter their **gender, age, race, sexual orientation or level of fitness / practice**. * 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). * Ring bell "MERCI WELLNESS" - third floor ! * ⏰ 11:00 to 12:15 (doors close at 10:55 as **class starts at 11:00 sharp** \- it is not possible to join late\)\. 💸 **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. **Come and this great group of Sunday Morning Yogis** \- to 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. Also, make sure to check out our new class **"Yoga for Men"** \- every Wednesday at 18:30 in the same location \- you can find the class list on our Meetup main page \!

n onze volgende uitwisseling van 3 april, bespreken we het boek *De diepst verborgen herinnering van de mens* door **Mohamed Mbougar Sarr** en beslissen we welk boek we voor de volgende keer (8 mei) zullen lezen. **Waar?** Oudergemlaan 191, 1040 Etterbeek Op de eerste verdieping **Voor wie?** Iedereen welkom vanaf 16 jaar. **Waar?** We zien elkaar op de 2e verdieping van de Nederlandse bib in Etterbeek, Oudergemselaan 191. Dit is een initiatief van de leerkrachten Nederlands van de [Zonnedauw](https://zonnedauw.org/), middelbare Steinerschool Brussel. **Wanneer?** De volgende data voor de leesclub zijn: 3 april 2026 8 mei 2026 5 juni 2026

El libro de abril es Te di ojos y miraste las tinieblas, de Irene Solà. Escondida entre riscos lejanos, en algún remoto lugar de las Guillerías transitado por cazadores de lobos, bandoleros, emboscados, carlistas, hechiceras, maquis, pilotos de rally, fantasmas, bestias y demonios, la masía Clavell se agarra al suelo como una garrapata. Es una casa, sobre todo, habitada por mujeres, y donde un solo día contiene siglos de recuerdos. Los de Joana, que para encontrar marido hizo un pacto que inauguró una progenie aparentemente maldita. Los de Bernadeta, a quien le faltan las pestañas y, de tanta agua de tomillo que le vertieron en los ojos cuando era una niña, acabó por ver lo que no debía. Los de Margarida, que en vez de un corazón entero tiene uno de tres cuartos, rabioso. O los de Blanca, que nació sin lengua, con la boca como un nido vacío, y no habla, solo observa. Estas mujeres, y más, hoy preparan una fiesta. As usual for the first Saturday group, you may use both English and Spanish during the book discussion; you just need an acceptable level of oral comprehension of both languages to fully enjoy it. Participar cuesta 1€ (para cubrir el coste de la suscripción a MeetUp). Durante la conversación elegiremos el libro para el mes siguiente, podéis proponer cualquier libro que os apetezca leer o discutir. El número de participantes está limitado. Si no podéis participar, por favor, indicadlo actualizando el RSPV en MeetUp.

**Dear Folks,** Bring along any books you’d like to exchange with others!📚 Tell us why you recommend them and help your books find new readers. At the same time, we will share stories and conversations while enjoying **Swedish Fika time**, with tea and snacks served. ☕ 🧁 This event will take place **at a private home**, so the address will only be shared with those who have registered. We look forward to a cozy and inspiring gathering with you. **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 * We will donate 10% collected fees to support Queer oriented organisations in the end of the year. Bank details: Yifei Yang BE12363234512492 Communication: your name+ event/membership **To make sure your spot is reserved, please complete your registration once you sign up.** We will prioritize those who have completed the registration process. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation. **Cheers!** 🥂 Brussels Sprouts 🇧🇪🥬💚

Dear Folks, Ready for real conversations and genuine connections? Join us for an intimate **BFF** **Speed Dating evening** designed for people who value **quality conversations over quick judgments**. **Program Overview** **18:30 Welcome & Warm-Up** **Group Ice-Breaking Session** Duration: **25–30 minutes** * Participants are divided into **small groups of 4–6 people** * Each round lasts **5 minutes** * **5 rounds** in total * Everyone briefly introduces themselves (name + a few fun prompts) **19:00 One-to-One Friend Speed Dating** **BFF Speed Conversations** Duration: **45–60 minutes** * Format: **1-to-1 conversations** * Each conversation lasts **3 minutes** * **15 rounds** * Participants rotate after each round **20:00 Connection Recall & Matching** **Friend Match Selection (5 minutes)** * Participants take a few minutes to reflect * Each person writes down: * Their **own name** * The **names or numbers** of people they would like to connect with as friends * Notes are collected by the host After the event, **The host will match people only when the interest is mutual** and introduce them afterward. **20:00 Free Networking Time** **Open Social Time** * Casual conversations * Reconnecting with people you liked * Drinks, laughter, and free-flow interactions **20:30 Event Ends** P.S. Please come 10 minutes in advance, to order your drinks. **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 * We will donate 10% collected fees to support Queer oriented organisations in the end of the year. Bank details: Yifei Yang BE12363234512492 Communication: your name+ event/membership **To make sure your spot is reserved, please complete your registration once you sign up.** We will prioritize those who have completed the registration process. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation. **Cheers!** 🥂 Brussels Sprouts 🇧🇪🥬💚

Let’s meet at the bus station Forest National line 54 direction Trone, and walk through the park direction Saint Gilles! We’ll improvise from there.

**Cinematek : L’udienza** 04/04 @ 20h00 **L’udienza: il ciclo di ambiguità del potere - Marco Ferreri** [...] Attraverso una narrazione densamente ripetitiva, giocata su toni e colori caldi e ambigui, distesa in sequenze quasi circolari, Ferreri pone il problema della Chiesa come istituzione cristallizzata, incapace di rivitalizzarsi e di uscire dal suo carattere di ente burocratico e clientelare. E muove una critica pungente ad essa come sistema repressivo, analizzandone il suo potere in disfacimento, ma tuttavia ancora pericoloso. Al di là degli espliciti riferimenti tematici e delle metafore più vistose ed evidenti sul potere ecclesiastico e su quello economico-politico tra cui il film oscilla, è però importante poter rintracciare le tematiche farreriane fondamentali, che costituiscono la linea di continuità con le sue opere precedenti e rafforzano le basi per le successive. Innanzitutto il tema dell'isolamento, che il protagonista vive nei confronti del potere, che non gli permette di esaudire i propri desideri. Poi quelli, fortissimi, del vagabondaggio, dell'esclusione e della morte: la storia di Amedeo non è altro che un lungo viaggio attraverso le strutture del Potere che esclude e uccide, senza pietà. E non ultimo uno dei temi ferreriani per eccellenza, il problematico rapporto uomo-donna, incarnato qui dalla relazione tra il protagonista e la prostituta Aiche, l'unica che si sottragga a questo circolo del potere, l'unico personaggio di tutto il film dotato di una dimensione psicologica a tutto tondo. E' infatti la sola che prova per Amedeo un sentimento "umano", vero, ed è la sola che crede veramente al suo problema spirituale; è un personaggio importante, soprattutto perché rappresenta una visione estremamente moderna della donna e del sesso nei confronti delle aberranti posizioni del potere cattolico e della società italiana del tempo. Tuttavia il mostruoso condizionamento ideologico della fede spinge il protagonista ad allontanarla da lui, nonostante lei abbia nel ventre suo figlio. Ed ecco che, parallelamente alla denuncia degli orrori messi in atto dalle istituzioni sugli individui, Ferreri vuole mettere in guardia quegli stessi individui dai pericoli dell'eccessiva sottomissione dell'uomo all'ideologia. Il carattere di ambiguità della filmografia ferreriana è particolarmente evidente: ogni elemento tematico e passaggio narrativo, ogni componente stilistica è suscettibile di un'interpretazione polivalente. La vicenda narrata dal film funziona, a livello referenziale, come racconto delle disgrazie di un uomo che muore nel tentativo di ottenere un'udienza dal papa, ma è immediatamente leggibile come una situazione di isolamento e di sconfitta nei confronti del Potere. La morte stessa, dunque, assume valore di suicidio e di autodistruzione (come sempre in Ferreri), ma è tuttavia interpretabile anche come omicidio perpetrato tramite le strutture repressive del potere (ecclesiastico e non), che tengono l'uomo lontano dal "Castello" (il Vaticano), protetto da guardie che ne difendono le entrate. Ed è in questo modo che il discorso sul potere ecclesiastico, onnipotente, estraniato dalla realtà, eppure dominante – attraverso mille canali - la realtà politica e sociale dell'Italia, si allarga immediatamente ad un discorso più globale sul Potere, che rende gli individui schiavi, alienati, fino a condurli alla morte. Per finire, possiamo notare come questo lungometraggio rappresenti una sorta di legame tra i precedenti Dillinger è morto (1969) e Il seme dell'uomo (1969), da una parte, e i successivi La cagna (1972) e La grande abbuffata (1973), dall'altra: con L'Udienza Ferreri si libera dall'esigenza di stabilire un rapporto immediato e diretto con il potere e la politicità del suo lavoro. Dopo questo film il cineasta si rinchiuderà in un nichilismo pressoché totale, portando alle estreme conseguenze le tematiche dell'isolamento, dell'autodistruzione e dell'impotenza, elementi che verranno assunti come componenti totalizzanti di una visione del mondo non più libertaria e utopica, aggressiva e scopertamente corrosiva, ma piuttosto come ripiegamento e chiusura del discorso in un cerchio immobile. [Cinematek](https://cinematek.be/2026-04-04-20-00/ludienza) [Effetto Notte, Rivista Di Critica Cinematografica](https://www.effettonotteonline.com/news/indexb900.html?option=com_content&task=view&id=995&Itemid=25) **For Dreamers, Coffee shots, Orezza, eau de Saint-Georges !**

Join us for our April Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Stop Me if You've Heard This One](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/stopmeifyouveheardthisone)* by [Kristen Arnett](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/about) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

Join us for our May Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Cantoras](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)*[ ](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)by [Caro de Robertis](https://caroderobertis.com/bio/) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

This Month's Book: *On A Sunbeam* by Tillie Walden Join us for discussion at the Granville Public Library from 6 to 7pm. Follow us on Instagram: @granvillepridebookclub

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * Feel free to come whether or not you’ve started or finished the book ◡̈ * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

Let's bedazzle some books while we discuss our April pick: Bloodguard by Cecy Robson! Book description: One hundred years. Tens of thousands of gladiators. And today, only one will rise… Everything in the Kingdom of Arrow is a lie. Leith of Grey thought coming to this new land and volunteering to fight in the gladiator arena—vicious, bloodthirsty tournaments where only the strongest survive—would earn him enough gold to save his dying sister. He thought there was nothing left to lose. He was wrong—and they took everything. His hope. His freedom. His very humanity. All Leith has left is his battle-scarred body, fueled by rage and hardened from years of fighting for the right to live another day. Then Leith meets Maeve, an elven royal who is everything he despises. Everything he should hate. Until the alluring princess offers him the one thing he needs most: a chance to win the coveted title of Bloodguard—and his freedom. But in a kingdom built on secrets and lies, hope doesn’t come cheap. Nor will his ultimate revenge… Event: Please bring your own book, journal, bookmarks, etc to bedazzle. If you have bedazzling supplies, please bring them as well. I will supply gems, glue, and picker tools, but if you have certain colors in mind, you may want to bring your own.