Canada’s publicly funded CBC has drawn sharp criticism from angry viewers after its morning program aired a segment on the rising practice of marking so-called “rebirthdays.”
The segment explored why someone might choose to observe a “rebirthday,” with examples ranging from cancer survivors commemorating the completion of treatment to transgender people recognizing the start of a new stage in their lives.
What started as a casual discussion about whether people should be free to pick a different day to celebrate themselves soon sparked a heated reaction online.
Detractors claimed the broadcaster was spending airtime on identity-focused topics rather than giving attention to more urgent news and public concerns.
In the approximately three-minute exchange, the hosts raised the possibility of Canadians selecting a new personal celebration date, asking the audience: “Have you ever wished your birthday was different?”
One host noted that while some people may simply be frustrated by birthdays that fall near Christmas or on leap years, others see the concept as carrying much deeper meaning.
“If you just look at the word ‘rebirth’… for people who are taking a much more personal, deeper approach it really marks a new beginning for them,” the presenter said.
The host added that, for some, a “rebirthday” might serve as a way to honor surviving a life-threatening illness.
CBC’s morning show aired a three-minute segment discussing the growing trend of celebrating so-called ‘rebirthdays’
The hosts said some transgender people choose a ‘rebirthday’ to mark the start of a new chapter in their lives
‘For some people who are overcoming life-threatening illness, even a cancer diagnosis and treatment, they’ll pick a rebirth to mark the end of their treatment,’ the host said.
The discussion then turned to gender identity.
‘People who are going through life-changing events, new journeys – transgender people will take a birthday sometimes if they want to mark the start of their new journey, their new life,’ the presenter added.
The host also suggested the concept could appeal to people whose birthdays fall at inconvenient times of the year.
‘People have a birthday really close to Christmas and they’re saying, “What the heck? I want to have two birthday parties.” I’m going to move another birthday maybe in the summertime so it’s not so close to this joint present that’s happening there.’
The presenter added that while people could not legally alter their date of birth, there was nothing stopping them from celebrating on another day instead.
‘You can’t obviously legally change your birthday, but this is one way to get around it. Have a celebration when you want it.’
The conversation continued with the hosts debating whether they would embrace the idea themselves.
The segment quickly spread online, prompting widespread criticism from viewers on social media
One host, whose birthday falls on July 4, said she probably would not change hers but thought the idea ‘might be a good idea for some people to consider.’
Another suggested a ‘rebirthday’ did not even have to replace a traditional birthday and could simply become an additional annual celebration.
‘There’s so much to celebrate,’ she said.
The discussion broadened beyond birthdays altogether, with one presenter reflecting on becoming a mother.
‘Mother’s Day is always a great day. I know for me when I became a mom with my first daughter, that was another celebration.’
She concluded: ‘We need a lot of positivity these days, so if you find a way to stay happy and celebrate, why not?… There’s always a reason to celebrate – and have cake.’
The light-hearted exchange quickly spread across social media, where many viewers ridiculed the discussion and questioned why Canada’s publicly funded broadcaster was dedicating airtime to the topic.
‘My gast never fails to be flabbered by CBC stupidity! Have you ever thought about reporting factual news? Just kidding….we known Govt funding, DEI & Liberal right speak prohibits such an event,’ one critic wrote.
‘How absurd. My birthday date sucks, but I’d never consider changing it. People are so narcissistic,’ another posted.
‘Wow, this was painful to listen to,’ another viewer added.
One commenter took issue with the segment’s discussion of transgender people, writing: ‘Another example of leftist just simply not wanting to accept reality so they create their own. Which is what gets society into so much trouble.’
Another mocked the premise by suggesting people should simply alter other milestones as well.
‘And while you’re at it, you should change the year. That way you can be ready for retirement benefits sooner,’ the commenter wrote before continuing with further sarcastic comparisons.
One viewer focused on one particular moment in the discussion.
‘My favorite part was near end when she says “you cant obviously change your legal birthday”. Right after she talks about trans people like its real,’ the post read.
Others argued the discussion illustrated what they viewed as misplaced priorities at the national broadcaster.
‘Ear mic: “Guest cancelled! fill the airtime! talk about Canada/U.S. trade negotiations or world events!”
Host: “Ever heard of re-birthdays?”‘ one person joked.
Another wrote: ‘I can just imagine the daily editorial meetings in their parallel woke world. It’s all about feelings and victimization. Which new angle can we take because we’ve already done “I feel like a woman therefore I am”. Hey, I know: “I feel like my birthday is on the wrong date”!’
