Campaign: raising awareness on racial discrimination in nightlife

March 21st marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination—a crucial reminder that racism is not just about overt hatred but is deeply embedded in our society, shaping how racialized individuals experience public spaces, including nightlife.

Brussels by Night, in collaboration with the Brussels Night Council and Equal.Brussels, has launched a project aimed at raising awareness of racial discrimination within nightlife. This initiative highlights the everyday racist behaviors, words, and judgments that non-white individuals frequently encounter—often unconsciously expressed but deeply impactful.

From microaggressions to systemic barriers, nightlife is not always an equal space. Many are forced to alter their appearance, language, or behavior just to be accepted, respected, or even safe. Racism in nightlife doesn’t exist in isolation—it intersects with sexism, homophobia, transphobia, classism, ableism, Islamophobia, and more. The issue goes beyond a simple binary of white vs. non-white or male vs. female; power dynamics shift depending on the context, and anyone can be both a victim and a perpetrator.

One of the biggest misconceptions about racial discrimination is the idea of “colorblindness.” While the notion of treating everyone the same may seem noble, it often ignores systemic inequalities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Recognizing and naming these inequalities is the first step in addressing them. Challenging our biases and taking active steps toward change is essential to creating spaces where everyone feels welcome.

Fighting racism is not a passive act—it requires continuous, intentional effort.

Whether you are a club owner, event organizer, or part of the nightlife community, there are ways to help create a more inclusive environment:

• Provide anti-racism training for staff to recognize and address discrimination.

• Foster open discussions about inclusivity and internalized biases.

• Prioritize diversity when booking artists—support non-white, FINTA (Female, Intersex, Nonbinary, Trans, Agender), and queer performers.

• Create safer spaces by implementing policies that actively discourage discrimination.

• Raise awareness among your audience and encourage collective accountability.

  
  

Change starts with awareness, but it must be followed by action. If you're looking for resources or training on anti-racism within nightlife, reach out to us.

🎥 These videos were produced by @fatsabbats , with the support of @equal.brussels