Humanistisch Verbond (BE)
The Humanist Association is a Flemish sociocultural organization that promotes freethinking and humanist values. The organization has used this name since 2018 and was previously called the Humanist-Liberal Association. It advocates freedom of expression and the right to self-determination, relying on arguments rather than inherited truths.
What you can find
The website contains a large archive of articles and opinion pieces, some published under the heading Het Vrije Woord, covering philosophy, ethics, science, literature and society. It also includes contributions on gender and identity and on gender dysphoria. In addition, there is information about local branches, activities and positions on issues such as abortion and euthanasia.
Why it is included on this list
The association is not a news outlet and does not have a specific position on gender care as a core issue. It does, however, provide a platform where authors discuss the subject from a freethinking, critical-rational perspective. See also science and debate and terms.
History and organization
According to its own website, the Humanist Association was founded in 1951. In 2007, the former Humanist Association, the Parents' Association for Morality, the Grey Geuzen and the Humanist-Liberal Educational Organization joined forces under the name Humanist-Liberal Association. In 2018, the association resumed the name Humanist Association. Its headquarters are in Antwerp. The website mentions more than 190 local branches in Flanders and Brussels. Wikipedia lists Mario Van Essche as chair since 2012. The association is affiliated with the Flemish freethinking umbrella organization deMens.nu and with European and international humanist federations. Its motto is to think and act freely.
Content and authors
In addition to its article archive, the website offers an events calendar, a newsletter, an online shop with publications, and information about membership and volunteering. The subject of non-denominational ethics, the philosophy-of-life course for freethinking pupils in Flemish education, also has a place on the site. Many pieces in the archive were written by philosopher Johan Braeckman. The topics range from religion and politics to artificial intelligence and end-of-life care. It is an archive of reflections: the authors write in their own name, and the association presents the pieces as contributions to free debate.
How to assess this source
Contributions about gender on this site are opinion pieces and essays, not medical information. They show how the subject is discussed within Flemish freethinking circles, a tradition that has long championed self-determination while also placing great importance on scientific support. For the factual state of the research, see systematic reviews on gender care. Information on how care is organized in Belgium can be found at gender care in Belgium; a recent Flemish example of the debate is the criticism of a fast-track referral at UZ Ghent. A Belgian organization included on this list is Cry for Recognition.