May/June Awareness Months & Days
By Melissa Weng ’27, Staff Writer, Puxuan (Ashley) Zhang, ‘27, Staff Writer ; Edited by Kat Willson ’26, Editor-in-Chief
Pride Month
Pride Month is a time dedicated to celebrating 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities. It is a time to advocate for equal rights and fight against discrimination to create a world where everyone can embrace their true selves. This particular month was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a series of protests that took place in New York City in June 1969. The riots were sparked by a police raid and are widely considered a turning point in the fight for equal rights. In 1970, the first Pride Marches took place, where LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies came together to promote activism and celebrate achievements.
National Indigenous History Month
National Indigenous History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the history, heritage, and resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada. Indigenous communities; however, it is also a time for reflection on the historical injustices and ongoing inequalities they face due to colonization, Residential Schools, and systemic barriers. National Indigenous History Month invites all Canadians to learn, engage, and take action toward truth, reconciliation, and a more inclusive future.
Brain Injury Awareness Month
Brain Injury Awareness Month brings attention to the prevalence and impact of acquired brain injuries (ABIs), which can result from trauma, stroke, infections, tumours, or lack of oxygen. Symptoms of a brain injury may include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, emotional changes, and physical impairments. In Canada, approximately 165,000 people suffer a brain injury each year. These injuries can range in severity and may lead to long-term challenges. Awareness and early intervention are key to improving recovery outcomes. The month promotes understanding, compassion, and support for survivors and their families.
June 4 - Clean Air Day
Clean Air Day is celebrated in Canada on the first Wednesday of June to raise awareness about air quality and its effects on human health and the environment. Air pollution can worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, and it contributes to climate change. Clean Air Day encourages actions that reduce pollution, such as walking, biking, and using public transportation. It also highlights the importance of clean air policies and collective efforts to protect the environment for future generations.
June 19 - World Sickle Cell Day
World Sickle Cell Day is observed annually on June 19 to increase awareness of sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic blood disorder that affects hemoglobin in red blood cells.
People with SCD have red blood cells that are shaped like sickles, making it difficult for blood to flow smoothly and carry oxygen throughout the body. This can lead to severe pain, infections, and organ damage. Sickle cell disease mainly affects people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian descent. With early diagnosis and access to care, symptoms can be managed, and quality of life can be improved.
Asian Heritage Month---May 2025
Asian Heritage Month is a month to celebrate the history, achievements, and diverse Canadian culture with roots across Asia--including East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Middle East. Since 2002, May has been officially designated as Asian Heritage Month in Canada to recognize and appreciate the rich cultural legacy and contribution of Asian communities across our country.
The theme of 2025 is "Unity in Diversity: The Impact of Asian Communities in Shaping Canadian Identity,''. It emphasizes how Asian Canadians have contributed to every aspect of our society: Chinese workers built the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1880s, Punjabi Sikh farmers established the first South Asia agricultural settlements in Abbotsford by 1908, and Japanese Canadians who built thriving fishing and coastal communities in BC.
This month is not only about celebration, but also about education. Schools and cultural institutions hold exhibitions on Asian history, guest speakers addressing racism and showcase contemporary Asian artists, writers and activists.
International ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia Awareness Day---May 12
Every year on May 12, the world recognizes millions of people battling Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia, two chronic illnesses that are often invisible but dramatically reduce quality of life. It has received little attention or funding.
ME/CFS is a complex disease that can cause extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory issues and heightened pain sensitivity. This illness is notoriously underdiagnosed, and many patients report years of disbelief, misdiagnosis and dismissal by our current medical system.
May 12 was chosen in honour of Florence Nightingale, who spent decades bedridden with a condition that resembles ME/CFS after surviving an infection during the Crimean War. This day brings global attention to the urgent need for medical training and social research.
May 17 — International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT)
First celebrated in 2004, this day marks the removal of homosexuality from the World Health Organization's list of mental disorders in 1990, which is a historic turning point in LGBTQIA+ human rights. Held on May 17 every year, IDAHOBIT is now observed in over 130 countries. The theme for this year is ''The Power of Communities'', spotlights how local, grassroot communities are at the forefront of resistancem care and empowerment for LGBTQIA+ groups.
In a time of increasing pushback against queer rights--including legislation targeting trans youth--this day is a reminder for us that visibility and solidarity remain essential.
In Canada, even though same-sex marriage has been legal for almost 2 decades, discrimination still exists. Trans and non-binary Canadians face disproportionately high rates of violence and under. This day is a good chance for institutions and communities to recommit dignity, safety and justice for all.
