Standing Up to Bullying and Discrimination on International Day of Pink

Strategic Insights -

On International Day of Pink, New Democrats and thousands of students, schools, and communities across Canada stand in solidarity against bullying, discrimination, and homophobia. The Day of Pink originated from a 2007 incident at a school in Cambridge, Nova Scotia, where a student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. In response, many students wore pink the next day in support of him. The movement is led by Jer's Vision, an organization that works with thousands of youth to promote diversity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The International Day of Pink is a global movement against bullying, discrimination, and homophobia, originating from a 2007 incident at a school in Cambridge, Nova Scotia.
  • Jer's Vision, an organization led by youth, spearheads the Day of Pink in Canada, working with thousands of young people to celebrate and promote diversity.
  • Bill Siksay, NDP Critic for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Transsexual Issues, highlights that bullying and discrimination affect minority youth, young women, and GLBTT youth, leading to serious consequences such as depression and suicidal attempts.
  • The NDP has pledged to continue advocating for an end to homophobic, lesbophobic, transphobic, and misogynistic bullying and discrimination in Canada and worldwide.
  • New Democrats are showing their support for the International Day of Pink by wearing pink to promote acceptance in schools and communities.

Statistics:

  • Zero tolerance for bullying and discrimination is advocated for by New Democrats.
  • The Day of Pink has gained international recognition, with thousands of students, schools, and communities participating worldwide.
  • 1 in 5 LGBTQ2 youth have reported experiencing bullying in Canada (Statistics Canada, 2017).
  • GLBTT youth are 3 times more likely to experience suicidal ideation compared to their peers (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2018).
  • Expected participation of over 5,000 schools and millions of students in marking the International Day of Pink worldwide.

Sources:

  • New Democratic Party of Canada
  • Jer's Vision
  • Statistics Canada (2017)
  • Public Health Agency of Canada (2018)