#FIRSTLOOK: ASIAN GOLD RIBBON DAY 2022

May 20, 2022 will be Asian Gold Ribbon Day and the community will be called upon to demonstrate visible solidarity towards anti-Asian racism.

The campaign kicks off during Asian Heritage Month, May, with a focus on the psychological impact of microaggressions and race-based traumatic stress. Participants are encouraged to join the visibility campaign by posting a selfie and tagging @asiangoldribbon along with using the hashtag #asiangoldribbon while wearing a yellow ribbon. The organization will also be supporting fundraising efforts through various community initiatives and events found on https://asiangoldribbon.com.

The campaign was co-founded by Psychologist Gina Wong who has been vocal in her support for awareness and speaks about the Anti-Asian sentiments she experienced growing-up in Montreal.

On May 20th, Canadian landmarks like Vancouver City Hall, Burrard Bridge, Princes’ Gates at Exhibition Place in Toronto, with more to be confirmed. The AGR gold is used to reclaim the colour yellow that has been used historically to denigrate and disparage the Asian race (“yellow peril”) and in turn become a symbol of celebrating Asian heritage and culture.

How you can get involved:

● Fundraising for Mental Asian Well-being – This year’s fundraising goal is $100k. The Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter (CNCTO) and Project 1907 reports 943 racist incidents across
Canada last year, a 47 per cent increase over 2020. Women make up the highest proportion of reported cases representing 64 per cent of all incidents but reports by children and adolescents increased by 286 per cent. In reality, the numbers are likely much higher when factoring in unreported incidents.

In Canada, 73.22 per cent of those who filed an incident of anti-Asian racism reported mental health distress and emotional harm as a consequence of the attack. This underscores the fundamental need for Asian mental health support services to be available in local communities. A portion of all funds raised will go towards the development of initiatives for mental health support programs and services for Asian wellbeing. Link to donation page here.

● Community Outreach—Asian Gold Ribbon will be offering social justice advocacy, education, and support activities for community residents, schools, and organizations including virtual presentations. There will be two virtual mental health summits following the theme of Bending Not Broken: Stories of Resilience. Click here, a full list of speakers and to register.
○ Asian Youth Mental Health Summit will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, 7:00pm-9:00pm EDT. Join this two-hour community conversation with honoured guests and panel of Asian youth sharing their stories, experiences, and concerns; as well as ideas for needed change at individual, community, educational, and systemic levels.
○ Asian Women Mental Health Summit will be held on Friday, May 20, 2022, 3:00pm-5:00pm EDT. Together with community allies, we will remember Michelle Go and Christina Yuna Lee and hear about the impact of gender-based and race-based racism on Asian women. We will unite and develop Calls to Action for Asian Women’s mental health support in Canada, where bold changes are
needed to end race-based traumatic stress.

● Support Asian Inspired Restaurants— Asian Gold Ribbon recognizes how hard the restaurant industry has been hit by the pandemic and anti-Asian racism. Our aim is to collaborate with restaurants to support and amplify them.
● Initiate a visibility campaign on Friday, May 20 ,2022— Asian Gold Ribbon Day is Friday, May 20, 2022 corresponding with Asian Heritage month. Asian and non-Asian persons will wear gold ribbons or pins to signify hope, unity, and solidarity for a better tomorrow