Just Some June Awareness Months
By Rebecca Liu ‘25, Head Editor-in-Chief; Edited by Rawnie Sun ‘25, Head Editor-in-Chief
Pride Month
June is a month to celebrate individuals who identify and are a part of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. 2SLGBTQI+ refers to two spirits, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and more. All across Canada, parties, parades, and celebrations are held to recognize the courage and raise awareness of queer identities, with the Toronto Pride Parade being the largest in all of North America. Pride month is a time to both celebrate while understanding what else needs to be done, as only 48% of Canadians report they would stand up against homophobic and transphobic rhetoric online and 1 and 3 queer-identifying individuals state their mental health is poor.
Check out this article for an opinion piece on this topic!
National Indigenous History Awareness Month
June provides a time dedicated to hearing, understanding, and honouring the cultures, traditions, and history of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Canada. This month provides an opportunity to appreciate the diversity and beauty of all Indigenous customs while also raising awareness of the many challenges Indigenous individuals still currently face. Along with our celebration, Canada must also face the missing and murdered Indigenous women, mental health crises, poor living conditions, unemployment, and so much more that Indigenous individuals currently face.
Seniors Month
Do you know any remarkable seniors in your life? Do you know of the amazing things that your grandmother, grandfather, neighbour, or family friend accomplished during their life to contribute to your life today? June is a time to answer these questions and raise awareness of the millions of seniors living in Canada, all while helping them have better access to support via governmental programs.
Did you know that Ontario allows anyone the ability to nominate a senior for an Ontario Senior Achievement Award, while a municipality can nominate a senior for the Ontario Senior of the Year Award? Consider nominating someone you know and admire!
