April 10th is the International Day of Pink. What will YOU be wearing?
April 09, 2013 at 1:50 PM
April 10th marks the International Day of Pink. It is a day where communities across the country, and across the world, can unite in celebrating diversity and o renew positive action against homophobic and transphobic bullying.
The day began as an act of solidarity in a Nova Scotia high school in 2007. When bullies taunted and threatened a boy in the ninth grade for wearing a pink shirt to school, a couple of twelfth grade students decided to take action. They purchased their own pink shirts and encouraged classmates to wear pink to school the next day. The “sea of pink” sent a powerful message about standing together against harassment. The idea caught on and captured the attention of celebrity allies. Now, after just a few short years, many schools around the world hold their own pink shirt days.
Why should you participate?
Have you ever seen a friend hurt because of discrimination? Have you been hurt yourself? Discrimination comes in many forms including racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, agism and anti-semitism just to name a few. These social diseases create barriers, bullying, harassment, hate and violence. No one should have to experience the negativity created by discrimination. Day of Pink is more than just a symbol of a shared belief in celebrating diversity - it's also a commitment to being open minded, accepting differences and learning to respect each other.
We invite everyone to celebrate diversity by wearing a pink shirt on April 10th.
