Hate Crime Awareness Week remembers victims of anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime and calls for all of us to stand ‘hand in hand’ against all forms of hate

Lead pic: LGBTQ+ Poet Laureate, Trudy Howson, with Simon Blake OBE

The annual Act of Hope and Remembrance for those affected by hate crime was held in Regent Hall Oxford Street, London on Sunday, October 13 to mark the start of National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which aims to encourage people to stand together in solidarity with those who have experienced hate and violence.

Organised by the anti-hate crime charity 17-24-30 National Hate Crime Awareness Week, the event brought together the LGBTQ+ community, community organisations, Lord Mayors and others dedicated to stopping hate.

Speakers at the memorial event to mark the start of the week included Mark Healey, Founder of National Hate Crime Awareness Week, and Stonewall’s new CEO Simon Blake OBE. They both spoke about their experiences of anti-LGBTQ+ hate and the need for community groups to take a ‘united approach’ to tackling hate crime.

Mark Healey, Founder of the anti-hate crime charity 17-24-30 National Hate Crime Awareness Week, said: “Every year, National Hate Crime Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of hate crime, encourage reporting and urge the Government, police and councils, key partners and community groups to unite to tackle hate crime.

“I originally founded the week to mark the anniversary of the London Nail Bomb attacks on Brixton, Brick Lane, and Soho. Since then, it has evolved to be a vital week of action to remember and support those affected by hate crime and raise awareness of what needs to be done to end hate.”

Simon Blake OBE, CEO of Stonewall, said: “National Hate Crime Awareness Week reminds us that too many people face hate crime because of who they are. While the Home Office’s latest statistics show overall hate crime against the LGBTQ+ community is falling, many still don’t feel safe and able to report hate. A recent survey showed that only 1 in 8 people reported their experiences of anti-LGBTQ+ hate to the police. We all deserve better.

“As we remember those affected by hate crime, we continue to push for urgent change – including asking the Government to fulfil its pledge to make anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime an aggravated offence.

“A rise in hatred towards one marginalised group is harmful to everyone. By working together and standing hand in hand against hate, and reporting it whenever it occurs, we can build a society where everyone feels safe, respected and free to be themselves.”