So: it’s February already and other than our New Year’s resolutions being long behind us, that means it’s LGBT+ History Month once again! This year is a big one as it is both the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots and the 60th anniversary of the Cooper Donuts riots, so there will be plenty of opportunities to find out more about these and other key parts of our history throughout another month packed with events.
First up, on 2 February, it’s the Sheffield Action for Trans Health meeting at Union Street. Open to anyone whose gender isn’t wholly the same as the one they were assigned at birth, this will be a special meeting dedicated to restructuring the branch as they move into some exciting times. For more trans social activities and for those of you who are still keeping up with your get fit New Year’s resolutions, join Trans Active for their swimming sessions on 2 and 23 February.
On 16 Feb, SAYiT is collaborating with Sheffield Hallam University to host the city’s first Rainbow Laces event at Goals Sheffield. Steve Slack, CEO of SAYiT, said of the event: “The Rainbow Laces campaign was created by Stonewall as a way for sportspeople to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT+) by wearing rainbow-coloured laces. Not only have we seen a rise in homophobic incidents around football matches, but there are still no openly gay male footballers in the top tiers of the sport in the UK. The purpose of this event is to raise money for charity and raise awareness of LGBT+ inclusion in sport for fans and for people directly involved who identify as LGBT+. It is also about stamping out LGBT+ phobia in sport and showing it the red card for good.” Why not get involved and sign up a team? You don’t have to be a great football player – it’s all about showing your support for LGBT+ rights and also having some fun. The tournament is for over 18s only and mixed gender teams are encouraged.
Recent reports have sadly shown that homophobic and transphobic attacks have actually increased in the last two years and now LGBTQ+ people are thought to, on average, be subject to 15 homophobic incidents over their lifetime, with more than half saying that they live in fear of attacks. During LGBT history month, Cardinal Training is offering a free self-defence class for members of the LGBT+ community on 17 February, teaching the basics of self-defence and offering tips to help stay safe in the city. This will be a high-energy, practical session but is suitable for anyone no matter what level of fitness. Places are limited so advance booking is essential.
In other opportunities to get involved, Sheffield’s Equality Hub Network will be having the latest of its focused topical meetings on 6 February at the Town Hall, this time looking at issues of representation and visibility. Pride in Sheffield will also be holding its open meeting on the same day at Sheffield Hallam University; come along and contribute to the decision-making and key decisions that will shape Pride 2019. Also, Sexual Health Sheffield will be holding weekly LGBT+ drop in sessions every Wednesday throughout February.
Elsewhere, Sheffield Relationships and Sex Education Forum (RSE) takes place on Wednesday 27 February at Scotia Works for all those working with young people. There are plenty more opportunities to get social this month with Open Sheffield will be hosting its Open Communion on February 10 at St Mark’s in Broomhill, open to all LGBT+ Christians. LGBT Sheffield will be returning to Union Street to host the LGBT+ pop up café, where if you need help or advice, want to get involved in an activity or just want to enjoy great coffee, there will be a warm welcome waiting.
