A new study by the VUB sheds light on the mobility experiences of the queer community in Brussels

17/09/2026

BRUSSELS – The Mobilise research group at the Free University of Brussels (VUB) has recently completed a qualitative study on the daily journeys within the city and transport choices of the queer community. Led by Charlotte van Vessem and Juliana Betancur Arenas, in collaboration with the Brussels Centre for Urban Studies, RainbowHouse Brussels and Les Grand Carmes, this study offers an insight into the impact of identity on travel behaviour within the capital.

Whilst existing studies on gender-related mobility focus primarily on traditional gender relations and heteronormative family structures, this work fills a crucial gap in the academic literature on gender and everyday mobility. Furthermore, it complements the existing (limited) literature on queer experiences in public space – which tends to focus on negative experiences – by explicitly documenting positive, neutral and negative experiences.

Carefully considered coping mechanisms influence the way in which residents move through the urban landscape. A striking finding is the difference in choice of transport mode between queer people who identify as men and those who identify as women:

Queer men feel that adjustments to their clothing and style have a direct influence on their sense of safety on the street. Cycling and walking are regarded by some of those interviewed as a deliberate choice in favour of sustainability, a certain status, and as a way of discovering new neighbourhoods.
For people perceived as women, street harassment and sexism play a major role in any case. Walking is often seen by respondents as a last resort. Cycling is the main way to get around quickly, autonomously and independently, without being stuck in traffic or at bus stops. Fear therefore plays a more significant role in their choice of transport

The findings highlight the need for better urban infrastructure, particularly reliable and safe night-time transport and the continued provision of bike-sharing schemes. Furthermore, the researchers call for greater awareness and increased political attention to how public space is shared, particularly through targeted campaigns run by transport companies such as STIB.

Further information: Queer Mobilities and Spatial Practices in Brussels | Brussels Centre for Urban Studies

Reference:

Charlotte van Vessem, Juliana Betancur Arenas, Sara Tori, Imre Keseru, ‘It’s not the place, it’s the crowd’: an exploratory study on queer mobilities and spatial practices in Brussels, Belgium. Journal of Urban Mobility, 10, 2026, 100261, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urbmob.2026.100261.

Contact:

charlotte.van.vessem@vub.be (mobile number available on request)