Below you’ll find a small sampling of our May diversity calendar events – to see all 100+ events this year, see our interactive online DEI Calendar.
May has arrived! Spring is in full swing, and flowers are blooming. And as a symbol of rebirth, spring is the first time to sow new seeds in your diversity and inclusion efforts. Our May Diversity Calendar 2023 will help ensure you celebrate diverse holidays, rather than just the summer mainstream events.
In our monthly samples, we aim to share May awareness days, May diversity days, May heritage months, May high holy days, May religious holidays, and religious festivals.
Mental Health Awareness Month
It’s Mental Health Awareness Month. The observance raises awareness for this May diversity topic, and those living with mental and behavioral issues. So during May, support those who live with mental health challenges, as well as their families and loved ones. They are also affected by mental illnesses. Some great ways to support others with mental health difficulties include staying calm, being patient, avoiding judgment, and maintaining social contact.
Discover more Healthcare Calendar 2023
Older Americans Month
In 1963, Older Americans Month was established. This May diversity month celebrates Americans over 65 and how they contribute to society in the U.S. When it was founded, only 17 million Americans had reached their 65th birthday, and about a third of those people lived in poverty. Acknowledging their contributions and creating programs to meet their needs is critical to ensuring everyone is cared for.
Jewish American Heritage Month
This May heritage month honors American Jews and their contributions to the United States. If you’ve never celebrated Jewish American Heritage Month before, consider participating by visiting a Jewish museum or a site of historical interest, making a Jewish recipe, or listening to a Jewish podcast.
Keep up to date with more religious observances with our 2023 Interfaith Calendar
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
In 1990, the U.S. government established Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This May diversity holiday seeks to recognize the achievements and contributions of these individuals. We recommend celebrating AAPI Heritage Month by watching a documentary about Asian American History or buying books from AAPI-owned bookstores.
May 5: Cinco de Mayo
Some think of Cinco de Mayo as the day to eat tacos and drink margaritas, but this multicultural May holiday has real significance for Mexican Americans. It celebrates Mexico’s defeat of the French Army. Read the real story and support a Mexican business in your community as a way to celebrate.
May 17: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
May diversity days include this event, which aims to raise awareness for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide and incidents of LGBTQ+ rights violations. May 17 was chosen because it was the date that the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases. Celebrate this day by raising awareness and fostering inclusiveness with our online LGBT Training in the Workplace
May 19: Malcolm X’s Birthday
May diversity events include a Happy Birthday to Malcolm X! The Muslim minister and civil rights activist was assassinated in 1965. Spend today remembering his famous words, “A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything,” and reflect on how you can incorporate this sentiment into your life.
May 26: Buddha’s Birthday
Happy Birthday to the founder of one of the world’s most practiced faiths! The Buddha was born Siddhartha Gautama. This May diversity celebration is also called Buddha Jayanti. It’s the day of his enlightenment and a celebrated Buddhist festival in most of East Asia and South Asia.
Final Thoughts
Did you know that there’s science behind having something to look forward to? You can make your workplace more engaging with regular celebrations. Help your employees discover celebrations outside their culture and give them something new to anticipate. This is also a stellar way to raise awareness for new causes.
That wraps up our May Diversity Calendar! Get a head start on next month with our June 2023 Diversity Calendar. Remaining up to date will enrich your life and help you be a lifelong learner.
For more diversity topics, see our 2023 Diversity Calendar.