LGBTQ+ Facts Leuven, Belgium
Many resources in Leuven, Belgium, support locals, students, and visitors that identify as LGBTQ+. Here are some of the top organizations:
Leonardo
Leonardo is a non-profit organization for international LGBTQIA+ and their allies in Leuven. This group is a member of both Cavaria and Unique-Vlaams Brabants Regenbooghuis. In addition, Leonardo hosts activities closely linked to the students of Belgium’s most prominent university, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven So (KU Leuven). Leonardo and UNDIVIDED for KU Leuven have also banded together to found the Pride Week initiative (aka the KU Leuven Pride Week).
Leonardo was established in 2011 as the first English-speaking organization for LGBTQ+ people in the Flemish-Brabant province.
&OF
This LGBTQ+ organization in Leuven is for both students and non-students. They provide information about living in Leuven, organize social events, and their employees are always there to support and discuss any issues with the community.
Events in Leuven
If you are looking for LGBTQ+ events in Leuven, visit this events calendar to find an activity that speaks to you.
Mental Health in Leuven, Belgium
A recent online survey was conducted during the first wave of COVID-19 and involved 16–25-year-olds in Belgium. This study analyzed potential predictors of mental distress, like demographics, chronic conditions, history of mental health disorders, social support systems, exposure to COVID-19, and changes in daily activities.
Overall, the study concluded that young people in Belgium have been experiencing higher levels of mental distress during the pandemic. The most increased mental health challenges were among women, those who were more isolated, those with fewer social support systems, and those with significant changes to their everyday lives.
**Note: This language features gender dichotomously as that is what is indicated in the research, and it does not talk about any variability. We used the language in these statistics because the study reported this.
If you are looking for a psychologist for kids in the Leuven area, visit our resource page at LGBTQ and ALL.
Top Features for Leuven, Belgium
Leuven is a city just east of Brussels and is renowned for its breweries. In Leuven, you can find the 15th-century town hall on a central square. This building embellishes statues of local figures, biblical characters, and saints. In addition, there is the late Gothic St. Peter’s Church which is home to the piece “Last Supper” by the Flemish Primitive painter Dieric Bouts. Another popular attraction is the nearby Oude Markt, a long square with various bars and cafes.
Fun Facts
- Leuven is twinned with the following locations: Tainan, Taiwan; s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands; Kraków, Poland; Lüdenscheid, Germany and Rennes, France.
- This city has friendly relations with the following places: Cristian, Romania; New Delhi, India; Stellenbosch, South Africa.
- Leuven is the global headquarters of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the most significant beer company in the world.
- Since 1425, Leuven has been known as a university city of Belgium.
- Leuven has two significant hospitals: The Academic Hospital UZ Leuven Gasthuisberg (the largest hospital in Belgium) and The Regional Hospital Heilig Hart in the city center.
History/Data
The earliest mention of Leuven in history traces back to 891, when a Viking army was defeated by the Frankish king Arnulf of Carinthia. It was officially founded in the 9th century around a fortress constructed by a German emperor against the Normans. Then, it became more prominent in the 11th century when it was the residence of Leuven’s counts and later the Brabant’s dukes.
Leuven now has a population of over 100,000 residents, making it a medium-sized city with many opportunities for leisure, culture, work, and studies.