Jean-Pierre Frisée on LGBT+-acceptance in Belgium
“Changes in political climate and society increase intolerance”
Belgium was the second country worldwide that legalised marriage between same-sex persons. So the country has a pioneering role regarding this issue. Here LGBT+ — the collective name for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Asexual people — is more tolerated than in a lot of other countries. But recent issues, like the refugee crisis and movements, and the gained prominence of right-wing parties also affects the LGBT+-community.
Jean-Pierre Frisée is co-ordinator at Alliàge, specialised in these topics and in the general situation for LGBT+-persons in Belgium. Alliàge asbl, also called Maison Arc-en-ciel de Liège, is an LGBT+-association in Liége. Jean-Pierre Frisée divides the work of the non-profit organisation into three axes. First, they organise a wide range of activities for their community, for example walks, cine-club and parties. Secondly, the Alliàge-team responds to different LGBT+-problems, like discrimation. Thirdly, they also organise events for a bigger audience, to sensitize and promote LGBT+ rights.
Tolerance and regulations in Blegium
Belgium was the second country worldwide, in which same-sex marriage was allowed. According to Jean-Pierre Frisée the country has a pioneering role for LGBT+ rights in Europe. The legislative amendment to legalise marriage for gay and lesbian couples was an important symbol,especially because a lot of EU institutions are situated in Belgium
The question about how LGBT+ friendly Belgium is, he answered that when looking at the legislation, numerous LGBT+ demands are met. But there are still some points to improve, regarding regulations for transsexual people and surrogacy. For Jean-Pierre Frisée the overall situation is clearly positive.
Jean-Pierre Frisée mentioned that a progressive legislation doesn’t necessarily mean mentalities follow, but here in Belgium it is so. The population, as a whole, is quite tolerant regarding LGBT+ matters.
The gay pride, which is a positive stance against discrimination and violence toward LGBT+ persons, is an important and well-attended happening on the Brussels event agenda. Moreover there are a lot of LGBT+ bars and public authorities support non-profit LGBT+ organization.
Jean-Pierre Frisée thinks: “Belgium is a lot more gay-friendly than many other countries but alertness is important. We still can be confronted to homophobic actions.”.
LGBT+ refugees
Jean-Pierre Frisée explained that situations encountered by refugees, no matter LGBT+ or not, are very concerning, but LGBT+ refugees are confronted to different and specific issues.
The first problem occurs when they have to prove their sexual orientation. CGRA, the Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons, can ask a lot of difficult questions and sometimes also for proof that refugees rarely possess. Moreover, the have to prove the dangerousness of their own country for the LGBT+ community. Unless their country of origin has extremely tough homophobic laws, the “CGRA” often denies asylum. Jean-Pierre Frisée critisised the way the CGRA analyses demands and thinks the rules should be reviewed.
According to Frisée, the next problem is that in some housing centers, the people are gathered by nationalities and so the LGBT+ refugees also hide their sexual orientation.
Frisée mentioned that a lot of the refugees aren´t aware of the the rigths granted in Belgium and the protections they can benefit from, because the situation is so different from that in their countries of origin.
Degeneration of acceptance
Frisée agreed with the statement that Belgium reached a summit of acceptance around 10 years ago and that current issues, like for example the refugee crises triggered a degeneration. He said that today you can find more people daring enough to say they are against LGBT+. They may not be more numerous than ten years ago but they feel more free to say what is on their minds.
But something can be done to stop the degeneration of tolerance. Jean-Pierre Frisée thinks that it is really important that politics don’t play alongside with those populists to gain votes, giving marginal comments credibility at the same time.
In this situation non-profit organizations like Alliáge are a necessity. Their task is to put up front the necessity and the contribution of living together. The coordinator of Alliàge thinks this trend should not only worry those who suffer, the LGBT+ community or refugees. Frisée says: “To fight efficiently, we need society in its whole to react to the intolerant behaviours and comments, in everyday life as well as at work or on social media.”
Even if the federal government and also the regional government have mostly turned right-wing, Jean-Pierre Frisée believes that this doesn´t show on LGBT+ matters yet.
The interviewee also mentioned that all problematic situations affect the general climate of acceptance. The lack of tolerance and the comments from political leaders on those subjects contribute to reinforce a society where intolerance becomes acceptable. This can only be unfavourable to society matters, as well as LGBT+ matters.
