LGBTQIA+: listening, support and safe spaces in Belgium
Questioning your sexual orientation or gender identity, facing family rejection, insults or discrimination: you do not have to go through it alone. Belgian associations welcome you free of charge, without judgement.
You can ask for help with
- Questions about your sexual orientation or gender identity.
- A difficult coming out, or the fear of one.
- Rejection or violence at home, at school or at work.
- Gender transition: information, guidance, administrative support.
- Insults, online harassment or discrimination.
- Isolation: meeting others with the same experience.
Where to go
- Maisons Arc-en-Ciel in Wallonia and Brussels; Regenbooghuizen and çavaria in Flanders.
- Genres Pluriels for trans*, intersex and gender-questioning people.
- Unia to report discrimination based on sexual orientation.
- Youth services, family planning centres and local counselling services.
If you are young and home feels tense
- Youth helplines are open to young people, not only in a crisis.
- A youth support service can see you without telling your parents.
- Plan a safe place to go if things get worse at home.
Useful numbers
- 112 — emergencies (police, fire, ambulance), 24/7
- 107 — Télé-Accueil, free anonymous listening line, 24/7 (French)
- 106 — Tele-Onthaal, free anonymous listening line, 24/7 (Dutch)
- 0800 30 030 — domestic violence helpline (French)
- 1712 — helpline for violence and abuse (Dutch)
- 0800 32 123 / 1813 — suicide prevention lines, 24/7
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be sure about my orientation?
No. Many people who reach out are still questioning and have no words for it yet.
Is it confidential if I am under 18?
Youth support services and helplines are confidential. You can ask beforehand what will and will not be shared.
Where do I report discrimination?
Unia handles reports of discrimination, including on grounds of sexual orientation. A local association can help you prepare it.
h3lp.be points to existing services. It is not an emergency service.