June is full of wonderful celebrations and holidays that honor. It’s not just Pride Month—it’s also Gypsy, Roma & Travellers History Month, among others.

And since summer is such a huge travel season across most countries, I want to highlight one of the most influential people on travel and culture evolution. And wouldn’t you know it, since 2008 the month of June has people from across the the world celebrating Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month. 

But cruelly, they’ve been historically dismissed and mistreated. Also, most people are unaware of the history of people of GRT heritage and their continued struggles across the continent of Europe and beyond. 

NOTE: “Gypsy” is a derogatory, disparaging term – and for many Roma it is an insult. But the right way, is Roma and Romani to refer to a male. (Source: Their name: Roma? Sinto? Gypsy? – The Institute For Visual History and Education)

Through celebration, education and raising awareness, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month helps to tackle prejudice, challenge myths and to amplify the voices of Gypsies, Roma and Travellers in wider society.

DYK: Roma has no relation to Romanian. It is quite a common mistake. Roma or Romani represent the ethnic group that started the migration from India more than 1000 years ago. The Romanians are another ethnic group, the majority inhabitant of today’s Romanian territories and successors of the Ancient Dacians and Romans. (Does Roma Mean Romanian? – Covinnus Travel)

And so this Gypsy, Roma, Traveller History Month, I encourage taking the time to learn about the colorful histories of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. And if you know someone with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller heritage, remember to make them feel welcome. 

And why not also make a plan to take a day trip somewhere new this summer too? When we go outside our comfort zone, and try something unfamiliar, the fabric of our life gets richer. So go weave some new journeys into your family’s growing tapestry.  

For more information and a place to start your independent study, go to the official non-profit organization that, since 1994, works to end racism and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people—and has been trying to also protect the right to pursue a nomadic way of life: Friends, Families, and Travellers. 

You can also follow the hashtags #WeavingJourneys and #GRTHM23 on social media to participate and what ever you like.