Three people who performed at Saturday’s Pride in Brussels were attacked after the event. They were reportedly targeted by a group of more than 20 teenagers who beat and verbally abused them.
The victims are Sherine Falasteen, Diva Beirut and Anira Orlando. “After our performance, we were walking back to our car when we were attacked by a group of young people, who were perhaps 14 years old,” Diva Beirut wrote on Instagram. They said the group quickly swelled to around 25.
“They threw a bicycle at me, pushed me to the ground, hit me and hurled abuse at me,” they wrote. “I’ve never experienced anything like this before, and I’ve been a drag queen in Lebanon for 10 years.”
I’ve never experienced anything like this before, and I’ve been a drag queen in Lebanon for 10 years
Police say they are unaware of any complaints regarding the incident, but the service’s LGBTQIA+ liaison officer has invited the victims to file a complaint on Monday.
The 30th edition of Brussels Pride attracted 70,000 people, according to police. The theme was “When Times Get Darker, We Shine Brighter”, offering support to the LGBTQIA+ community at a time when their rights are under attack.
“No one should ever have to fear for their safety because of who they are,” the organisers of Pride said following the attacks on the three performers. “This is why Pride is still necessary.”