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)
- Race Equality Matters Week (February)
- International Women's Day (8 March)
- IDAHOBiT (17 May)
- Carers' Week (9 to 15 June)
- Windrush Day (22 June)
- LGBTQ+ Pride Month (1 to 30 June)
- Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month (1 to 30 June)
- Srebrenica Remembrance (30th Anniversary) (11 July)
- South Asian Heritage Month (18 July to 17 August)
- Black History Month (1 to 31 October)
- International Day for Older People (1 October)
- Youth Work Week (June)
- Disability History Month (14 November to 20 December)
- Men’s Health week (9 to 15 June and Movember in November)
- Inter Faith Week (10 to 17 November)
- Trans Day of Remembrance (20 November)
- White Ribbon Day Sex (25 November)
There will be a range of religious days marked during the year. We recognise that observances and practices vary from culture to culture within and across denominations.
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.
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.
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. This idea of noise as opposed to silence has been adopted by other cities in the UK and in other counties.
June
LGBTQ+ Pride Month
LGBTQ+ Pride Month is celebrated annually in June. It's a global movement dedicated to commemorating the LGBTQ+ communities, celebrating diversity and inclusion, and advocating for equal rights. It's a time to acknowledge the historical struggles and triumphs of LGBTQ+ people, and to affirm self-worth and cultural identity. The event that catalysed the LGBTQ rights movement was in June 1969 in New York city’s Greenwich Village, at the Stonewall Inn.
In the United Kingdom, the first official Pride march took place in London in 1972. Since then, Pride Month has grown in significance. Cities across the UK host vibrant parades, events, and educational programs throughout June.
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.