4 Ideas for Hosting a DEI Trivia Event

Virtual team building events at work is a great way to celebrate and honor DEI

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are important aspects that should be integrated into all organizations. However, sometimes it can be challenging to create a culture of inclusivity, and some employees may not feel comfortable discussing these topics. A great way to promote DEI in a fun, educational, and engaging way is through DEI trivia events.

DEI trivia can help raise awareness about different cultures, histories, and current events. It can be educational and enjoyable at the same time. In this blog post, we will explore different categories of DEI trivia and discuss how to host a DEI trivia event in your workplace.

DEI Trivia Categories

Here are some upcoming DEI events to consider when planning your DEI trivia:

1. AAPI Heritage Month Trivia
2. Mental Health Awareness Month Trivia
3. Pride Month Trivia
4. Hispanic Heritage Month Trivia

AAPI Heritage Month Trivia

May is a month that holds a special significance for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in the United States. It is designated as AAPI Heritage Month, a time to honor and recognize the cultural, historical, and societal contributions of this diverse community. This month-long celebration provides an opportunity to learn and appreciate the richness of AAPI culture, history, and traditions.

The history of AAPI Heritage Month dates back to 1978 when it was first celebrated as a week-long observance. This was a time when the contributions of AAPIs were not widely recognized, and their presence in American society was often marginalized. However, over the years, the week-long observance evolved into a month-long celebration, and in 1990, AAPI Heritage Month was officially recognized by the U.S. Congress.

Since then, AAPI Heritage Month has been celebrated annually in May, providing a platform for AAPIs to share their unique experiences and traditions with the rest of the country. It is an opportunity to showcase the achievements of the community in various fields, including science, politics, literature, music, art, and more.

Here are a few AAPI Heritage Month trivia questions to provide inspiration:

1. Who was the first Asian American to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor? (Answer: Haing Ngor, for his role in “The Killing Fields” (1984))
2. Who was the first Asian American woman to serve in Congress? (Answer: Patsy Takemoto Mink, who served in the House of Representatives from 1965–1977 and again from 1990–2002)
3. Who is the first Asian American to serve as Vice President of the United States? (Answer: Kamala Harris, who was elected Vice President in 2020)
4. Who was the first Asian American woman to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress? (Answer: Miyoshi Umeki)
5. Which famous Chinese American architect designed the Louvre Pyramid in Paris? (Answer: I.M. Pei)
6. Which Japanese American baseball player broke the color barrier by becoming the first player of Asian descent to play in the Major Leagues? (Answer: Masanori Murakami)
7. Who was the first Indian American to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction? (Answer: Jhumpa Lahiri)

Mental Health Awareness Month Trivia

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of mental health and well-being. Mental Health Awareness Month, which takes place every May, is an important opportunity to educate ourselves and others about mental health and the challenges that individuals with mental illnesses may face. This month-long observance was first started in 1949 by Mental Health America and has since grown to become an international event, with organizations around the world using this time to promote mental health awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Mental health awareness events during this month are typically focused on promoting mental health and well-being, encouraging individuals to seek help when needed, and raising awareness about the many types of mental illnesses that people can experience. Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. By raising awareness and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness, we can help to create a more supportive and compassionate society.

Check out these examples for Mental Health Awareness Month trivia questions:

1. What organization started Mental Health Awareness Month? (Answer: Mental Health America, which was founded in 1909)
2. Which celebrity recently released a documentary chronicling their career, mental health journey, and autoimmune diagnosis? (Answer: Selena Gomez)
3. What is the most common mental illness in the United States? (Answer: Anxiety disorders, which affect approximately 40 million adults.)

Pride Month Trivia

Pride Month has become a significant cultural event around the world, with a range of activities and events taking place to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and promote greater understanding and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ rights. The history of Pride Month dates back to the Stonewall riots, which were a series of demonstrations against police brutality and discrimination targeting the LGBTQ+ community. These protests took place in 1969 in New York City, and are widely seen as a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

Here are a few Pride Month trivia questions:

1. What event is widely considered to have launched the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States? (Answer: The Stonewall riots, which took place in 1969)
2. Who was the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in the United States? (Answer: Harvey Milk, who was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977)
3. What was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage? (Answer: The Netherlands)

Hispanic Heritage Month Trivia

Hispanic Heritage Month is a significant cultural celebration that honors the history, achievements, and contributions of Latinx Americans to the United States. This observance spans from September 15th to October 15th and is an important time to reflect on the rich cultural heritage of Latin Americans and their many contributions to American society. The history of Hispanic Americans in the United States dates back centuries, and their influence can be seen in a range of areas, from music and literature to politics and business.

Here are some example questions for a Hispanic Heritage Month trivia event:

1. Who was the first Hispanic American woman to serve in the United States Supreme Court? (Answer: Sonia Sotomayor)
2. What famous Puerto Rican musician is known as the “King of Salsa”? (Answer: Celia Cruz)
3. Who was the first Hispanic American astronaut to travel in space? (Answer: Franklin Chang-Diaz, a Costa Rican-American physicist and former NASA astronaut who became the first Hispanic person to travel to space in 1986. He went on to travel to space a total of seven times, making him the record holder for the most spaceflights by a Hispanic person)
4. Which Colombian singer and dancer is known for hits like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Whenever, Wherever”? (Answer: Shakira)

Hosting a DEI Trivia Event

Now that we’ve explored some categories of DEI trivia, let’s discuss how to host a DEI trivia event in your workplace.

Determine the format: Will the event be held in person or virtually? Will participants work in teams or individually? Will there be prizes for the winners?

Choose the categories: You can choose categories based on cultural celebrations (e.g. Black History Month, Women’s History Month), current events (e.g. LGBTQ+ rights, immigration policy), or any other relevant topics.

Create the questions: You can use online resources to find questions, or create your own questions based on your chosen categories

Determine the level of difficulty: It’s important to keep in mind the level of knowledge that your audience has when creating questions. You don’t want the questions to be too easy or too difficult.

Promote the event: Advertise the DEI trivia event well in advance to give people time to prepare. Create flyers, send emails, and post on your company’s social media accounts.

Host the event: On the day of the event, make sure to set up the space and any necessary equipment. Encourage participation and make it a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.

Follow up: After the event, send a follow-up email thanking everyone for participating and providing any resources or information that may be helpful.

DEI trivia events are a great way to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in your workplace. They can be educational, fun, and foster a sense of community among coworkers. By celebrating different cultures and histories, you can help create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.

Host a DEI Trivia Event with Bar None Games

DEI trivia events are an effective way to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in your workplace. By choosing relevant categories and creating engaging questions, you can educate your coworkers about different cultures and current events. Hosting a DEI trivia event can also create a sense of community and teamwork among coworkers.

As a 100% minority owned business certified by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, DEI is at the heart of what we do here at Bar None Games. We offer two fully-customized events for DEI months: Team Trivia and Celebration Games. Bring your team together with a highly engaging and educational event that is a perfect fit for your DEI programming.

Book a virtual DEI trivia event