Wednesday April 12th is International Day of Pink. You might be wondering what it’s all about. (Spoiler: it’s not really about the colour pink.) Perhaps you’re keen to get involved but aren’t sure how (besides dusting off that pink shirt you never wear). We’ve got you covered. Read on to find out more about this day of action against bullying and harassment.
What is International Day of Pink and how did it start?
International Day of Pink is an annual event designed to challenge homophobia and transphobia in its many forms. It started in Canada in 2007, when a teenager at a Nova Scotia high school experienced homophobic bullying and fellow students decided to wear pink in solidarity. Since then, it has become a widespread day of action, held on the second Wednesday in April every year.
In essence, International Day of Pink is an opportunity for everyone to show solidarity with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Because people who are two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual, non-binary and more continue to face discrimination, exclusion, and violence. They may also experience additional barriers around accessing healthcare, housing, and social care. Wearing pink is a small way to show solidarity and help take a stand against bullying and harassment.
As well as encouraging everyone to wear something pink for the day, organizers of the campaign also work with educators, politicians, and employers in Canada to spread their message and foster future activists. It’s all part of the continued fight for equity. More importantly, by encouraging young people to challenge social norms and demand more from their educators, the campaign is working to create a more accepting, loving future.
How can you get involved?
Taking part can be as simple as wearing something pink to show your support and allyship. (Be sure to post a photo on social media with the #DayOfPink hashtag.) But you can also donate to help the cause expand its reach. For more information, head to www.dayofpink.org. There, you can donate, buy Day of Pink merch, join the movement, and access tons of free resources, including social media stickers and pink backgrounds to liven up those Zoom meetings.
As a women-owned enterprise in the field of IT, we’re passionate about building a more inclusive, equitable world. So we’ll definitely be sporting something pink on April 12th and showing our support. Will you? Let’s make IT happen and take a stand against inequality.