Three days in May that have to be acknowledged!

Every year, on May the 17th is International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). The day is aimed at raising awareness of the discrimination and violence that the LGBTQIA2+ community faces around the world. It is an amazing opportunity to stand in solidarity with those who continue to experience prejudice, bigotry, and hate simply for being who they are.

The day was first celebrated in 2004 and has since grown to become a global event, with cool events and activities taking place in over 130 countries. The theme for IDAHOBIT 2023 is "Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing!" This theme highlights the importance of community support in the fight against discrimination and violence. All things we need to hear and lean into at the moment

Two days after IDAHOBIT, on May 19th, we celebrate Pink Shirt Day. This day was first celebrated over in Canada in 2007 when two students stood up against bullying by wearing pink shirts to school. The day is now celebrated around the world as a way to stand up against bullying, bigotry, and hate.

Pink Shirt Day is a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a safe and inclusive world. We must stand up against bullying and discrimination, whether we are bystanders or victims ourselves. The day is also an opportunity to show support for those who continue to face discrimination and hate simply because of who they are. I’m really looking forward to joining this panel conversation to discuss the importance of anti-bullying in the work place.

And finally, on May 24th, is Pansexual Visibility Day. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of pansexuality, which is a sexual orientation that is not limited by gender. Pansexual individuals are attracted to people regardless of their gender identity or expression.

The day is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of sexuality and gender identity. It is a reminder that everyone deserves to be respected and valued for who they are. Pansexual Visibility Day is also a chance to educate others about pansexuality and the struggles that pansexual individuals face in a society that often does not recognize or understand their identity.

These three days in May provide us with an opportunity to come together as a global community and show our support for the LGBTQIA2+ community. We must continue to fight against discrimination and hate in all its forms, and celebrate the diversity of sexuality and gender identity. Let us all try stand together, resist hate, support one another, and heal as a community. Together we all have the power to create change.