Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month 2022: Celebration and Solidarity
Join us in marking Gypsy, Roma Traveller History Month this June; taking pride in being Gypsies and Travellers.
This month is a time of celebration of these communities and education focusing on their histories and contributions to Leeds and West Yorkshire, as well as all over the country. It is a chance to learn and challenge bias’s and stereotypes in all areas of society.
We can also celebrate and respect these communities – for their resourcefulness, adaptability, strength, humour, collaboration and connection.
What’s on - click for the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller History Month Events at GATE this month.
Marking History Month in June symbolises the spring time, when people would set out on the road after winter time to travel more to fairs and events.
New laws coming into effect at the end of this month will criminalise this way of life.
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act will make stopping on any land you do not own a criminal offence, therefore making living nomadically or travelling seasonally– a key part of Gypsy and Traveller people’s history for hundreds of years – under threat. People travelling on the road and pulling over to stop could be liable for £2,500 fines, arrest and seizure of their vehicles.
Now, it’s estimated West Yorkshire is home to over 7000 Gypsies and Travellers living in bricks and mortar, on sites and a small number on the road, or nomadically. Though laws are written to specifically target those stopping on the roadside, it represents a direct attack on the place of these communities as part of our society.
They are artists, teachers, community workers, activists, students, business owners, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters.
This June, we must celebrate and resist through protecting rich culture and history.
Each person can stand in solidarity with Gypsy and Traveller people and families and their right to their way of life.
Take Action:
Share and use our graphic to show your solidarity. Tag us @LeedsGATE #GRTHM2022
Go to our website and Youtube Channel to find out more: leedsgate.co.uk https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfcwJjjbfd1I90RsifgMg5g
Do you know Gypsy and Traveller are protected ethnicities under UK law? Do you know the difference? Watch Roads from the Past to learn about their long history: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bhBbMrF8Z0
Can you make some space to teach about Gypsy and Traveller communities using these resources or in an assembly? Want to know more? Check out the reading list curated by Leeds Beckett University https://rl.talis.com/3/beckett/lists/1A577055-A1E9-27F8-9736-7D59AE7E3BC5.html
Support our negotiated stopping campaign – an alternative to evictions and criminalisation that protects the right to a nomadic life negotiatedstopping.co.uk