“Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it’s a good place to start.” – Jason Collins
Leonardo is a non-profit organisation for international Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Non-binary people as well as other members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. The group is located in the city of Leuven, in the Belgian province of Flemish-Brabant, and is a member of both Cavaria and Unique-Vlaams Brabants Regenbooghuis. We are not a student association and we welcome every person of every age that feels part of the community and is willing to speak in English during our events! Some of our events are also linked to KU Leuven and their students and PhD candidates or employees. Together with XYZ Leuven (ex UNDIVIDED) we are one of the founding organisations of the Pride Week initiative (known currently as the KU Leuven Pride Week).
Leonardo has been established in 2011 as the first English-speaking organisation for LGBT+ people in the province of Flemish-Brabant. Until today it remains the only organisation at Unique – Vlaams-Brabant Regenbooghuis fully run by internationals.
The organisation aims to create opportunities and safe space for LGBT+ internationals, which is done mainly by organising casual meet-ups as well as raising awarness about the needs the international LGBTQIA+ community has, and problems it faces. The key principles during our events are respect, tolerance and acceptance.