Consortium Blog: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

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International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21st 2022

Written by Consortium’s Racial Justice Engagement Officer Camillea (they/them) and Equity Fund Project Officer Leyla (she/her)

What is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination?

Organised by the United Nations and originating in South Africa, this day commemorates those who lost their lives in a peaceful demonstration against apartheid ‘pass laws’ in 1960, and those affected by racial discrimination across the globe. This day is often overlooked, but we can all address our biases and privileges year round!

The UN 2022 campaign aims to:

Highlight the importance of strengthening meaningful and safe public participation and representation in all areas of decision-making to prevent and combat racial discrimination.
Reaffirm the importance of full respect for the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and of protecting civic space.
Recognise the contribution of individuals and organisations that stand up against racial discrimination and the challenges they face.

Over the weekend, protests protests took place in three UK cities: Glasgow, London and Cardiff.

What can the LGBT+ sector do to support the elimination of racial discrimination?

Racial discrimination can be found everywhere and it should not be left up to those affected to educate others about it. Take responsibility for educating yourself.
Understand intersectionality. It’s important to recognise someone who is LGBT+, and also facing racial discrimination, experiences multiple and simultaneous oppressions.
LGBT+ groups can support their members by listening and creating space for conversations around racial discrimination that are safe and centre those affected.

Available funding

If you are an LGBT+ organisation working with communities that face racial discrimination, People of Colour, Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnicities (we use this language as broadly as possible and are actively working to better represent the affected diverse communities) you could be eligible for funding.

The LGBT+ Futures: Equity Fund launched at the start of February was co-produced with community organisations, consultations and previous grant giving data to gather information on which areas of our LGBT+ communities need additional support and funds. 5 Key areas were identified as: D/deaf, Disabled, Neurodivergent people, LGBTQI+ Women, older people, People of Colour, Black, Asian and Minoritised Ethnicities and Trans and Non-Binary people.

This Fund was created to contribute towards Equity within the LGBT+ sector and the communities that need explicit and specific support. Find out more about the Equity Fund here: LGBT+ Futures: Equity Fund.

Links to videos and more information

Information on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:

Origins of international day for the elimination of racial discrimination origins video explanation

International day for the elimination of racial discrimination video text explanation

Origins of international day for the elimination of racial discrimination

United Nations anti racism day blog

LGBT Foundation #IDAR2018 video

Allyship resources:

Allyship resource Nova Reid

Challenging racism in the LGBT community Stonewall

15 things LGBTQ people of colour want you to know Stonewall Scotland

Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race Reni Eddo-Lodge