
Today, on Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD), LonGBoaT Wakefield stands in solemn remembrance of the six million Jews, LGBT+ people and countless others who were persecuted and murdered during the Holocaust. We also reflect on the many lives lost in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur. This year’s theme, ‘For a better future’, reminds us of our responsibility to learn from the past and create a world free from hatred and prejudice.
What is Holocaust Memorial Day?
Holocaust Memorial Day is a time to remember all those who have died in genocides, including the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust and millions of others who suffered under the Nazi regime and in genocides that followed. It is a day for reflection, education, and action to ensure that the horrors of the past are never repeated.
HMD takes place annually on 27th January, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. HMD 2025 holds particular significance as we mark 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and 30 years since the genocide in Bosnia.
The UK Holocaust Memorial Day Ceremony
The UK Holocaust Memorial Day Ceremony serves as the focal point for HMD in the UK, bringing together civic, faith, and political leaders alongside survivors of the Holocaust and more recent genocides. This powerful event highlights the importance of remembrance and solidarity in building a better future.
The Symbolism of Purple
The purple flame is the symbol of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT), a registered charity funded by the UK Government to promote and support HMD.
At 4 PM on 27th January, people across the UK will light candles and place them safely in their windows to:
Remember those who were murdered for who they were.
Stand against prejudice and hatred today.
Iconic buildings and landmarks will also light up in purple, creating a national moment of commemoration and unity.
Why We Remember
For the LGBTQ+ community, Holocaust Memorial Day carries profound significance. Under the Nazi regime, thousands of gay men were arrested, tortured, and sent to concentration camps, where they were marked with pink triangles and faced unimaginable horrors.
Lesbian women, transgender individuals, and others who defied the Nazi ideal of conformity were also targeted, though their stories often remain untold.
This dark chapter in history reminds us of the consequences of unchecked hate. By remembering, we honour the victims and renew our commitment to combat prejudice in all its forms.
Atrocities Still Happen Today
While the Holocaust represents one of history’s darkest periods, atrocities and persecution against marginalised groups continue worldwide. LGBTQ+ individuals in many countries still face criminalisation, violence, and discrimination. From anti-LGBTQ+ laws in certain regions to hate crimes closer to home, the fight for equality remains as vital as ever.
Other groups, including ethnic minorities, refugees, and religious communities all continue to face systemic oppression and violence. Genocides and human rights abuses in places like Myanmar and Syria show that the lessons of the Holocaust have not yet been fully learned.
What We Can Do
At LonGBoaT Wakefield, we believe in the power of education, advocacy, and solidarity to combat hate and build a more inclusive world. Here are some ways we can all contribute:
Educate Ourselves and Others: Learn about the Holocaust and the persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals during this time. Share these stories to ensure they are not forgotten.
Speak Out Against Hate: Whether online or in person, challenge hate speech and discrimination whenever you encounter it.
Support Marginalised Communities: Advocate for policies that protect LGBTQ+ individuals and other vulnerable groups. Offer support to organisations working on the front lines of human rights.
Participate in National Moments: Light a candle at 4 PM on 27th January and place it safely in your window as a symbol of remembrance and solidarity.
Standing Together
Today, we remember the victims of the Holocaust, honour the survivors, and reaffirm our commitment to building a world free from hatred and oppression. As we reflect on the past, let us also look to the future with determination and hope, working together to create a society where everyone, regardless of their identity, can live in dignity and peace.
Let us never forget. Together, we can ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust guide us in creating a brighter, more inclusive future.
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