LGBTQ+ Facts
Even though Mechelen, Belgium, does not have a significant LGBTQ+ scene, it is conveniently located between Antwerp and Brussels, both of which have vibrant queer life. So, for anyone looking for LGBTQ+ nightlife or other events and activities, from Mechelen to both cities is only a 20-minute train ride.
In addition, LGBTQ+ rights in Belgium are some of the most progressive in Europe and worldwide. This destination has often been referred to as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world. In addition, recent polls have concluded that most Belgians support same-sex marriage and adoption rights.
There are also queer people in LGBTQ+ leadership, like the former Prime Minister of Belgium, Elio Di Rupo, an openly gay man. At one point, he was one of only a few heads of state worldwide to identify as LGBTQ+. Other notable LGBTQ+ political figures include Pascal Smet, the former Flemish Minister of Education, and Petra De Sutter (Groen) as Minister of Civil Service in 2020, making Belgium one of the first countries globally to have an openly transgender woman appointed as a government minister.
Mental Health in Mechelen, Belgium
According to a recent online survey that evaluated Belgian youth at the beginning of the pandemic, it was determined that young people are experiencing higher levels of mental health distress due to the pandemic. These findings also discovered that mental distress was highest among these groups: women, those who are lonely or have fewer social connections, and those who had a drastic change to their daily lives.
At LGBTQ and ALL, we have various resources for young people in Mechelen looking for mental health help. To find a psychologist for kids in the Mechelen area or other regions, navigate our database.
**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.
Top Features for Mechelen, Belgium
As previously mentioned, Mechelen is a city between Brussels and Antwerp in northern Belgium. One significant attraction is inside the 13th-century St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, featuring an impressive altar and a notable work by Flemish artist Anthony van Dyck. In addition, the attached St. Rumbold’s Tower has stunning 360-degree views of the city. Another famous site is the Kazerne Dossin military barracks, where deportees to WWII concentration camps were held. This destination also has a museum and memorial commemorating the Jewish and Romani people who passed through the city.
Facts
- The Financial Times called Mechelen one of the top 10 European cities of the future.
- Belgium is famous for its beer scene, and Mechelen has a signature brew called Gouden Carolus. This beer has been around for over half a century and has won about 20 awards globally.
- Mechelen is a fun destination for children because of the Toy Museum. This attraction has 7,000 square meters of games, dolls, teddy bears, and more.
History/Data
Until 1356, Mechelen was initially a fief of the Prince-bishopric of Liège. Then, it was passed to the Dukes of Burgundy. Charles the Bold of Burgundy decided to make it an administrative center, and in 1559, the town soon became the archiepiscopal hub of the Southern Netherlands.
According to the most recent data, Mechelen has a population of 86,600 residents.