Dates for your calendar – A year of celebrating diversity in Leeds
If you’re not aware of something, then you’re not going to celebrate it! That’s why raising awareness of diversity through awareness dates can be a helpful starting point to a more open and inclusive society.
In this blog, we highlight some of the key awareness dates for the year, especially ones that link to the protected characteristics in the UK, which are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.
January
January 4
World Braille Day
World Braille Day is celebrated on the birthday of the Louis Braille, who invented Braille. It celebrates the importance of braille for people who are blind and visually impaired.
3rd Saturday of January
No Phones at Home Day
This was started by Leeds-based psychologist, Dr. Armitage, who has studied the psychological effects that increased device time has on children and young people. This day encourages people to come together and connect in ‘real life’.
3rd Sunday of January
World Religion Day
World Religion Day takes place on the third Sunday of each year. It is a day to show respect and tolerance for everybody of faith. It started 75 years ago and encourages people to learn about different religions.
February
February
LGBT+ History month
LGBT+ History month started in the UK. It recognises that LGBT+ people have always existed, and celebrates historical figures from this community. Each year there is a different theme, and different historical figures are celebrated. The figures being celebrated in 2025 are: Octavia Hill; Ivor Cummings; Annie Kenney; Charlie Kiss; Olaudah Equiano.
February 6 to 12
Race Equality week
Race equality week is based in the UK and is all about tackling racial inequality. It invites you to reflect on your own beliefs, and work together to create inclusive workplaces.
March
8 March
International Women’s day
International Women’s Day is global. It is a fundraising day as well as a day for celebrating the women in your life.
31 March
Trans day of visibility
Trans visibility day happens every 31 March. The day celebrates the joy and resilience of the trans and non-binary community.
April
April
World Autism acceptance month
The 2 April is World Autism Awareness Day, which kicks off a month of raising awareness of autism and promoting acceptance. There are lots of fundraising activities to get involved with and you can show support by wearing all the colours of the spectrum!
May
May 5 to 11
Deaf awareness week
During Deaf Awareness Week 2025 the Deaf and Hearing Impairment Team (DAHIT) will be supporting schools to celebrate, with a live online musical signed (BSL) story. The team have also created a resource pack that can be used in schools to teach deaf awareness and celebrate deafness. Across Leeds more than 1100 children have an amplification device (hearing aid or cochlear implant) and the majority attend their local mainstream school.
Find out more here: Celebrate Deaf Awareness Week (5 – 11th May 2025) | Leeds for Learning
17 May
International day against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia
Every 17 May is the international day against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. This day raises awareness of discrimination against this community and what must be done to stop this.
June
June
Gypsy Roma Traveller History month
In 2025, the theme for this month is ‘who inspires you?’, celebrating incredible people from the Gypsy Roma Traveller community. This month started back in 2008, and aims to tackle prejudice towards the community.
June 16 to 22
Refugee week
Refugee week is a weeklong celebration of the contributions of refugees. World Refugee Day is June 20, and the week takes place around this.
The 2025 theme is ‘community as a superpower’.
June 22
Windrush day
Windrush day celebrates the contributions of migrants to the UK, since the war. Specifically, it celebrates Afro-Caribbeans who began arriving on the HMT Empire Windrush in 1948.
Leeds DEC Global Learning Awards
These awards take place in June with nominations opening in May. They recognise individuals, organisations and schools going above and beyond, taking extra steps to promote cultural cohesion and sustainability initiatives.
Last year’s event:
July
July
Disability pride month
The first official disability pride month happened in the UK in 2015, but it has been happening since 1990 in America. The month celebrates disabled people, their culture and their contributions to society. It is also a time to raise awareness of different disabilities.
August
August 20
Leeds Pride
This Sunday 20 August, Pride will arrive in Leeds! This celebratory day includes a parade and festival and all about celebrating the LGBTQ+ community! The first pride parade was back in 2006.
September
September 30
Non-verbal awareness day
On September 30, is a day to think of those who are non-verbal or non-speaking. The day is about making sure their voices are still heard and respecting their rights.
October
October
Black History month
Black History Month has been celebrated in the UK since 1987, by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, a Ghanaian activist and refugee. October was chosen as this was the month slavery in the Caribbean was abolished.
Black History Month 2025 is encouraging is to ‘Dig Deeper, Look Closer, Think Bigger’ and celebrate the achievements and contributions of black people, challenging racism and stereotypes.
October 17
Show Racism the Red Card day
On ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ day, people are invited to wear red to show their support for the cause. It is all about eliminating racism and being anti-racist. 2025 will be the 11th year of this national day.
October 11 to 18
National Hate Crime Awareness week
National Hate Crime Awareness week takes place around this time each year. It is a week of solidarity with anyone who has been affected by a hate crime. It was originally founded on Facebook in 2009 and has developed since then.
November
November
Islamophobia Awareness month
November is a month to learn about the impact of islamophobia and tackle stereotypes and prejudice. It is also a time to learn about one another, celebrate our differences, and celebrate the Islamic community.
November 9 to 16
Interfaith week
This week is about strengthening understanding and cooperation between all faiths. It’s about celebrating the similarities and diversity of faiths and takes place around the same time each year.
December
December 3
International day of people with disabilities
Every 3 December, ‘International day of people with disabilities’ asks us to think about the rights and wellbeing of people with disabilities and what can be improved.
Compassionate City awards
These awards typically take place in early December and recognises individuals and organisations who make a difference in their communities. You can read about the winners of the 2024 awards here:
