April 14, 2021, marks the annual International Day of Pink. This is a day of action for communities across the world to remain united in celebrating equity, diversity and inclusion while raising greater awareness of the need to stop homophobic, transphobic and all forms of bullying. The Day of Pink is an annual event celebrated on every second Wednesday in April.
Day of Pink began in Nova Scotia when two high school students intervened after witnessing a gay student in their school being bullied for wearing pink. Wanting to do more, they purchased pink shirts and distributed them throughout the school to show solidarity against homophobic and transphobic bullying.
While great progress has been made to remove barriers for the TLGBTIAPQQ2S+ (Trans, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Intersex, Asexual, Pansexual, Queer, Questioning, 2-Spirited) community, more must be done. This is especially true during a global pandemic where community supports for mental health are not as accessible.
“Now in the second year of this pandemic, it’s more important than ever that the TLGBTIAPQQ2S+ community feels supported by their government and the local community,” said OPSEU/SEFPO President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
“We must eliminate all forms of hate and discrimination with a message that we’re here to help, even when we’re isolated behind closed doors. A good place to start is social awareness.”
“Bullying is still a major problem in our schools, workplaces, homes, and over the Internet,” said OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice President Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida.
“Each year on Day of Pink, I encourage everyone to wear something pink to symbolize that we as a society will not tolerate bullying anywhere. I hope this message resonates all year long,” he added.
“It’s so important that victims of bullying know they are not alone and there is help and support available,” said Morgen Veres, Co-Chair of OPSEU/SEFPO’s Rainbow Alliance arc-en-ciel (RAA). “Wearing a pink shirt on this day sends a strong message that we care. Often, the simple act of wearing a shirt can start conversations which can be healing in themselves,” she added.
The COVID-19 pandemic has everyone coming together to do their part to ensure that we beat this virus. Let’s use this moment to inspire everyone in eliminating all forms of hate and discrimination.
You can show solidarity by wearing a pink shirt during a virtual meeting, starting a conversation about this issue, or sharing this message with a friend.
For more information: https://www.dayofpink.org/en/home