Google Calendar has removed references to Pride Month, Black History Month, and other cultural heritage observances from its web and mobile applications. The platform now only displays public federal holidays and national observances.
A Google spokesperson stated that the decision, made in mid-2024, was not driven by ideological or cultural motivations. Instead, the change aimed to streamline calendar management, as maintaining hundreds of global observances was deemed unsustainable.
Users Can Still Manually Add Cultural Observances
Previously, Google Calendar automatically displayed events such as the start of Pride Month on June 1. Other removed observances include Hispanic Heritage Month, Indigenous Peoples’ Month, and Holocaust Remembrance Day. Some non-cultural celebrations, such as Teachers’ Day, were also excluded.
Users can still manually add these observances to their calendars despite the removals. Google emphasized its commitment to recognizing cultural moments within its products and cited its continued promotion of Black History Month and Lunar New Year.
Concerns Over the Broader Trend in Policy Changes
The change follows similar moves within the federal government. Late last month, the Department of Defense’s intelligence agency stopped recognizing Pride Month and other cultural heritage observances. This came after an executive order from former President Donald Trump that eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices across federal agencies.
The Department of State also banned embassies from flying the Pride flag, while the Department of Justice dissolved its DOJ Pride office. These policy shifts have raised concerns among LGBTQ+ advocates and civil rights groups, who see them as efforts to diminish recognition of marginalized communities.
Google Maps Alters Gulf of Mexico Naming for U.S. Users
In a related update, Google Maps changed the Gulf of Mexico’s name to the Gulf of America for American users. This update aligns with an official renaming directive from the Trump administration. The body of water remains labeled as the Gulf of Mexico for Mexican users, while users in other countries see both names.
Google defended this change, stating that its policy is to update geographic names according to official government sources. The move has sparked debate, with critics arguing that such alterations prioritize political interests over established geographic naming conventions.
Supporters and Detractors React to Google’s Decision
Supporters of Google’s calendar change argue that it simplifies the platform and removes potential bias in determining which events should be included. Critics, however, believe the move diminishes the visibility of historically significant observances, particularly those related to marginalized communities.
As cultural and political tensions continue to shape digital platforms, Google’s decision reflects a broader debate over the role of technology companies in curating public awareness of social and historical events.
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Google Calendar Removes Pride Month, Cultural Heritage Months
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I’m reminded of the now old admonishment from the also now old philosopher Seinfeld: “…not that there’s anything wrong with that.” He was on the front edge of coming-out announcements, and in his own way attempting to ease future tensions. But now, after having had PrideMonth jammed down my throat every one of the last 10+ years, I have come to realize that Jerry’s teaching really swings both ways–that is, I can recognize it OR I can ignore it. Whether Google is ignoring it for political reasons or other, I have come to realize that I can claim the same courtesy. (I’ll just mention here in passing that I also don’t need a calendar to acknowledge/celebrate Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, All Saints Day, Passover, Hanukkah, Day of Atonement, or any other days/weeks/months that are significant to my belief system as I will not be able to pass these events without some good degree of celebration, “…not that there’s anything wrong with that.”) But please, Google, PLEASE! Do not mess with Sunday through Saturday, the counting of the days, the order of the months, the passage of one year to the next, Leap Day, the US Tax Day, the Moons, and the Solstices/Equinoxes. I NEED these dates. Anything else, I shall ignore if I so choose, and I’ll heartily thank the rest of the world for their forbearance. (PS–Good on ya, Google!)