There are several equality events and festivals that we support, fund or promote. They help to provide a shared understanding and awareness of equality.
Some event dates change from year to year – some take place on the same day every year. We encourage you to get involved.
- Holocaust Memorial Day (27 January)
- LGBT History Month (February)
- International Women's Day (8 March)
- St Patrick's Day (17 March)
- International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (17 May)
- Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month (June)
- Carers Week (11 to 17 June) - changes every year
- Pinknic (14 July) - changes every year
- Black History Month (October)
- International Day of Older Persons (1 October)
- Sheffield Mental Health Week (8 to 14 October) - changes every year
- World Mental Health Day (10 October)
- Interfaith Week (12 to 16 November) - changes every year
- Anti-Bullying Week (11 to 18 November)
- Trans Day of Remembrance (20 November)
- World Aids Day (1 December)
- International Day of Disabled People (3 December)
January
Holocaust Memorial Day
Every year in January, the world marks Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD). HMD has taken place in the UK since 2001.
On HMD we share the memory of the millions who have been murdered in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur in order to challenge hatred and persecution in the world today.
February
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans History Month
The idea of LGBT History Month came from 'School’s Out!', a campaigning organisation of LGBT people involved in education. They took their inspiration partly from the United States, where LGBT History Month has been celebrated since 1994.
Activities will be taking place all over the country to celebrate and raise awareness about LGBT issues. LGBT History Month is a time when we can explore and share some hidden aspects of our country’s past, both recent and remote. This hidden history belongs to all of us; it is part of our inheritance.
Understanding who we are
Throughout history we can find many examples of people who refused to conform to the outward signs of the sex to which they were born. We also find many stories of people who loved their own sex. Some of these people were famous or obscure.
Some of them experienced serious persecution. Some are remembered for the contributions they made to our culture and society. Their personal lives have often been suppressed or censored. To understand our present imagine our future, we must first gain insight into our past. This is true of us as individuals; it is also true of societies.
March
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day on 8 March is a global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of the past, present and future.
Its origins are rooted in the struggle for women’s suffrage and equal rights. It has been celebrated worldwide since 1911.
The 2018 theme was #PressForProgress. SheFest is Sheffield's Internation Women's Day fringe festival. You can find out more information on their website.
May
IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia)
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on 17 May marks the date in 1990 when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from their list of mental disorders.
IDAHOBIT exists to encourage action to address the issue of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia and the impact that prejudice and discrimination can have on the health and well-being of lesbian, gay and bisexual and trans (LGBT) people and their families.
Public rally
For over 10 years, Sheffield has marked IDAHOBIT with a public rally culminating in a ‘one minute noise’. The rally will take place in the Peace Gardens on 17 May at 5.30pm. This idea of noise as opposed to silence has been adopted by other cities in the UK and in other counties.
October
Black History Month
Events to mark Black History Month have been held in Sheffield since 1997. Black History Month provides an ideal opportunity for students, parents, teachers and the whole community to learn about Black History and to celebrate the diversity in modern day society.
Black History Month activities play a vital role in promoting racial equality and community cohesion by breaking down barriers and increasing knowledge of local communities and society.
A number of events are being organised by various groups in Sheffield, including SADACCA and Sheffield Hallam University.
December
World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.
World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day, held for the first time in 1988.