May 2025 Diversity and Inclusion Calendar: Key Dates
May DEI calendar: key dates and inclusive celebration ideas
May is packed with opportunities to recognize and celebrate diversity in meaningful, respectful ways. Here’s your go-to guide for observances that matter — and how to acknowledge them at work.
AAPI Heritage Month
What is AAPI Month?
AAPI stands for Asian American and Pacific Islander. It refers to people with heritage from East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. AAPI Heritage Month honours the rich cultural contributions and diverse histories of these communities.
Sometimes you’ll also see AANHPI, which includes Native Hawaiians in recognition of their distinct culture and identity.
When is it?
It’s celebrated throughout May in Canada.
Why it matters:
From the California Gold Rush to the building of Canada’s national railway, AAPI communities have shaped our history and continue to lead in fields like arts, science, politics, and activism.
Cinco de Mayo — May 5
Often misunderstood as Mexico’s Independence Day (it’s not), Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France in 1862 at the Battle of Puebla.
How to observe at work:
Share the true history of the event
Use it as an opportunity for cultural learning, not a themed party
Create space for education and respectful conversations
Mother’s Day — May 11
Mother’s Day celebrates the love, strength, and care mothers give every day.
At work, consider:
Offering flexibility for caregiving employees
Acknowledging the day with a message or card wall
Creating space for all types of motherhood and family experiences
Fun fact: It became an official holiday in 1914, thanks to activist Anna Jarvis.
Vesak - May 12
What is Vesak?
Also called Buddha Day, this sacred day celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Gautama Buddha.
How it's observed:
Visits to temples for meditation and offerings
Acts of generosity, like giving to the poor
Lantern displays symbolizing wisdom and light
Observed globally, Vesak is a UNESCO-recognized celebration, especially important in Buddhist-majority countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Nepal.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) — May 15
GAAD is all about digital inclusion.
It shines a spotlight on making sure websites, apps, and tools are usable by everyone — especially people with disabilities.
Why it matters at work:
Accessibility = better experience for all users
It’s essential to meet compliance standards and show inclusive values
Helpful links:
Disability Awareness Training https://www.hirediverse.ca/post/disability-awareness-training
7 Ways to Make Your Meetings Accessible https://www.hirediverse.ca/post/7-ways-to-make-meetings-accessible
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia — May 17
This day raises awareness about the violence and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Why May 17?
On this date in 1990, the WHO removed homosexuality from the list of mental disorders.
How to show support at work:
Host learning sessions or allyship workshops
Share employee stories (with consent)
Visibly show solidarity through inclusive visuals and language
International Day for Cultural Diversity, Dialogue and Development — May 21
This UNESCO-recognized day encourages global understanding through cultural dialogue.
Ways to observe:
Highlight multicultural team members
Create space for storytelling
Facilitate conversations about cultural values and workplace inclusion
Cultural diversity strengthens collaboration, innovation, and belonging.
World MS Day — May 30
World MS Day raises awareness about Multiple Sclerosis, a chronic condition affecting the brain and spinal cord.
How it’s observed:
Share stories from those impacted
Host virtual learning sessions
Wear orange to show support
From fatigue to vision challenges, MS impacts people differently. Creating awareness helps foster understanding and workplace flexibility.
Keep showing up for inclusion!
Celebrating these observances isn’t about checking a box — it’s about building a culture of respect and belonging. When you mark key dates in meaningful ways, your workplace becomes more inclusive by design.
About HireDiverse
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