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LEUVEN PRIDE HUB

Open Forum: Online Hate and Digital Safety - Event in Dutch

Online hate is a daily reality for many LGBTQI people. But what can we do about it?

đź“… Wednesday, April 29
🕗 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM (welcome from 7:30 PM)
🎟️ Free and open to everyone (registration required) 

đź’¬ This event will be moderated in Dutch.

📍 KU Leuven – Justus Lipsiuszaal
(Erasmus Building, Faculty of Arts – 8th floor) 

Reserve your spot

    Online hate against LGBTQI people is not an abstract problem. Across Flanders, we see how hateful reactions on social media—such as responses to posts about Leuven Pride—can quickly escalate and contribute to a sense of insecurity.

  • Who and what is behind this hate?
  • How does it affect public debate and everyday life?
  • And most importantly: what actually works in dealing with it?

During this public debate evening, experts, media professionals, and students will share their insights on online hate speech and digital safety. Come listen, join the conversation, and think along about how we can make online spaces safer. 

We start from concrete online cases of hate speech and explore practical solutions:

  • Where do hateful reactions come from? What is the link with the manosphere, the anti-gender movement, the influence of algorithms, …
  • What impact does hate speech have on LGBTQI people?
  • What can be done about it? How do media handle the moderation of comments? Does reporting make a difference? Does peer support help?

The evening will consist of expert insights, a panel discussion, and interaction with the audience.

🎤 Moderator: Tom De Cock (radio host at JOE)

🎓 With prof. Alexander Dhoest (University of Antwerp), Youssra Bouydiri (Moderation at VRT NWS), Nathan Forger Brems (De Standaard), Paul Borghs (Unia), MaitĂ© de Haan (Specialised in anti-movement dynamics at çavaria), Vix Willems (Diversity Officer at LOKO).

The event is part of the "Together Safe – Online and in the Streets" programme leading up to Leuven Pride 2026. 

Reserve your spot

More information on accessibility and how to reach the venue:
KU Leuven – Justus Lipsiuszaal (Erasmus Building, Faculty of Arts – 8th floor)
Blijde-Inkomststraat 21, 3000 Leuven

The evening is supported by KU Leuven in the context of special training and learning opportunities for staff. 

Pride is for all of us.
Pride is protest*.
Pride is connection.

*Protest (from Latin: pro is 'for', testari is 'to witness') means expressing concern about political or social injustice. Hoping to spark change.