With Heart and Dignity

Fonds320 at Antwerp Pride: Listening, Acting, Connecting

By Johan Dexters, FIAT-IFTA Vice President

Diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords - they are core values that make our society stronger. In the funeral sector, a profession rooted in humanity, empathy, and respect, these values are especially important.

At Antwerp Pride, Fonds320 wanted to show what our sector stands for:

• A funeral world that not only supports but also listens.
• That is not just present, but genuinely committed.
• That not only marches, but takes meaningful action.

By participating, we show that we don’t want to stand on the sidelines - we want to actively contribute to a warm, safe, and open environment for everyone.

Who are we

Fonds320, the Guarantee and Social Fund for funeral directors, has been a stable presence in the Belgian funeral sector since 2007. Within Joint Committee 320 (PC320), the employers’ organization Funebra and the trade unions ACV and BBTK work closely together.

Together, we negotiate collective labor agreements, provide training, fund social benefits such as year-end bonuses, union premiums, and pensions, and focus on workplace well-being and safety. Our work is guided by solidarity, dialogue, and mutual respect.

Why Fonds320 attend Antwerp Pride

Our participation is not a publicity stunt - it is a statement. We want to show that our sector has room for everyone: employees of all backgrounds, languages, genders, and beliefs. We want colleagues to know they are welcome as they are, and that their authenticity is valued.

We may have been one of the more understated participants at Pride, where extravagance often takes center stage. That made the warm reactions we received even more meaningful, often accompanied by applause. It was touching for our staff and confirmed that our message resonates widely.

In the funeral sector, we work closely with people, often during moments of deep grief. Having a diverse team is crucial to better understand, support, and guide those we serve.

A message for divided times

We live in a time when differences can create distance instead of connection. We must protect rights and ensure equal treatment. Every bereaved person, regardless of identity or belief, should feel welcome. This applies to the deceased as well, who are cared for with dignity and respect. Even when rituals or choices differ from our own, we recognize their value and the right to make them.

Respect in every step

Inclusion doesn’t stop at the funeral home door. It is reflected in every gesture: how we listen, guide the bereaved, and build our teams. Our work demands discretion, but never distance. By being open to everyone’s story and way of grieving, we make our work more humane and dignified. Respect is not optional- it is the foundation of what we do.

Our core message remains: “Every person deserves respect. Every moment, too.”