Purple May 2026

May is a month for raising awareness about two often misunderstood and invisible illnesses: lupus and fibromyalgia. World Lupus Day is on May 10th, and World Fibromyalgia Day is on May 12th. This is the perfect time to learn, support, and spread hope.

Why Purple May Matter

Lupus and fibromyalgia affect millions worldwide, yet many people still don’t understand what these conditions involve. Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation and damage to various body parts. Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain, fatigue, and sensory overload. There is limited support available for people with lupus and fibromyalgia, so we often struggle to participate in the community. This can make us feel more alone, as we lose important friendships and connections.

Raising awareness helps in several ways:

•             Educating the public about symptoms and challenges faced by those with lupus and fibromyalgia

•             Building understanding and empathy for people with lupus and fibromyalgia

•             Reducing stigma and misconceptions surrounding chronic pain and autoimmune diseases

Purple May is a chance to bring these issues into the spotlight and show solidarity with those living with these conditions.

Handing Out Purple Awareness Ribbons and Informative Flyers

Volunteers will distribute purple ribbons and flyers in public spaces. The ribbons symbolise support and hope, while the flyers provide a clear overview of what people with lupus and fibromyalgia experience every day, helping spread knowledge and encourage conversations.

Wearing Wacky Purple Costumes

 To support the cause, the public can get creative with purple costumes. From a subtle hat, boots or scarf to full-on purple outfits, dressing up adds a joyful and eye-catching touch to awareness efforts. It’s a way to draw attention, start conversations, and make the experience memorable.

How can you get involved in Purple May?

•    Wear purple for May

•    Share your story on social media or in community forums to raise awareness. Hearing real stories from people living with lupus and fibromyalgia helps break down barriers.

•   Volunteer to hand out ribbons and flyers in Wellington.

Awareness is the first step toward improving lives. We need to strengthen the collective voice of people with lupus and fibromyalgia. We are all people with unique talents and perspectives, but our conditions can make it impossible for us to share our skills in the world. Improved support and treatment would improve life for whole communities, as we would then be freer to contribute to the community.

I will be on RadioActive.FM on the 1st of May at 9:15 to promote Purple May 2026. This is a movement to create lasting impact and hope for the future.