If you have experienced or witnessed discrimination or hate crime, based on any aspect of a person’s identity, you can get support from Stop Hate UK.
We know that discrimination, prejudice, and hate crime still affect lots of people. We’re working to build a stronger Leeds, which challenges harmful attitudes and celebrates the city’s diverse population.
Taking pride in our city’s diversity
Leeds has a proud tradition of welcoming people from all backgrounds, faiths and beliefs.
- 21% of residents are ethnically diverse
- 57% of residents are religious
- 18% of residents have a physical or mental disability
- 4% of residents identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or another minority sexual orientation
- 0.72% of residents report that their gender identity is different from their sex registered at birth
- 17% of residents are aged 65 and over
Discrimination in Leeds
Despite the city’s diversity, we know that hate crime is a serious issue.
3,323 instances of hate crime were recorded between October 2023 and September 2024. This included:
- 2,338 recorded incidents of race-related hate crime
- 386 recorded incidents of religious hate crime
- 457 recorded incidents of sexual orientation hate crime
- 91 recorded incidents of transgender identity hate crime
- 332 recorded incidents of disability hate crime
Data from Leeds City Council scrutiny board paper
Additionally:
- 81% of respondents in the Leeds Women’s Safety Survey identified men’s behaviour towards women as a major reason they feel unsafe (Women Friendly Leeds, 2021)
- 50% of people aged 50+ in England experienced age discrimination in the last year (Centre for Ageing Better, 2024)
Understanding discrimination
Discrimination happens when people are treated badly or unfairly because of who they are. This can include teasing, name-calling, using stereotypes, unfair rules based on someone’s protected characteristics, or leaving people out.
You are legally protected from discrimination by the Equality Act 2010.
Racism is a form of discrimination based on race, ethnicity or national origin.
Support to combat racism can be found on Show Racism the Red Card and via The Racial Justice Network.
Take action against racism by joining the Culturally Diverse Hub, registering your support for the Root out Racism movement, and getting involved on Wear Red Day.
Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are forms of discrimination based on sexuality or transgender identity.
Dislike, fear, or discrimination against people who are:
- gay or lesbian: homophobia
- bisexual: biphobia
- transgender: transphobia
Support can be found on MESMAC, TransLeeds, Angels of Freedom and Galop.
Take action against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia by joining the LGBT+ Hub and getting involved in the international day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia (IDAHOBIT).
Religious discrimination is a form of discrimination based on religious beliefs or affiliation with a religion. This includes:
- anti-Muslim prejudice: hatred and discrimination against anyone of Islamic faith on grounds of their belief and practice
- antisemitism: hostility to or prejudice against Jewish people
- Hinduphobia: hostility to or discrimination against Hinduism or Hindus
Support can be found on Tell MAMA and the Community Security Trust.
Take action against religious discrimination by joining the Religion or Belief Hub, reading the Community Security Trust educational resources and getting involved in Islamophobia awareness month.
Disability discrimination is a form of discrimination based on physical or mental disabilities. This is also called ‘ableism’.
Support can be found on United Response, Scope and Mencap.
Take action against disability discrimination by joining the Disability Hub and getting involved in the international day of Disabled People.
Misogyny is a form of discrimination directed at women and girls.
Support can be found on Women Friendly Leeds and Together Women.
Take action against misogyny by joining the Women’s Hub or becoming a Women Friendly ally.
Ageism is a form of discrimination based on age, often affecting older and younger individuals.
Support can be found on Leeds Older People’s Forum, Age UK and Childline.
Take action against ageism by joining the Older People’s Hub or becoming an Age-Friendly Ambassador.
Get involved in Leeds Youth Voice or Child Friendly Leeds Wish 4 – Celebrating Diversity and Anti-Bullying.
Find out more
Read what we’re doing around equality, diversity and inclusion and how we’re tackling discrimination across the city.
