International Day of Pink – April 13, 2022
On April 13, HWDSB raises awareness and affirms its commitment to combat homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic bullying. Day of Pink celebrates allyship and those who take a stand against discrimination and hate.
Day of Pink originated in Nova Scotia in 2007 when two Grade 12 football players, David Shepherd and Travis Price witnessed a Grade 9 student being bullied for wearing a pink shirt. The bullies physically threatened the boy and taunted him using homophobic slurs.
In response, David and Travis purchased and distributed 50 pink shirts, which they encouraged peers to wear the next day. This simple act of kindness and solidarity spearheaded an international campaign as students across Canada wear pink shirts annually to take a stand against homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.
While much has changed since 2007, Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ students and staff still face systemic barriers, bullying, and discrimination. Days of significance that raise awareness and support Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ communities highlight these important issues – as evidenced recently when HWDSB celebrated International Transgender Day of Visibility by raising the Transgender flag at the Education Centre.
Symbolic acts of support are a good start. However, we must take action to foster inclusion and to ensure safe learning environments for Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ students and staff. We must engage in conversations about these values with our students.
Thank you for creating a culture of caring and for making kindness and inclusion the norm in our schools and workplaces. We encourage you to share photos of your Day of Pink with the hashtag #DayofPinkHWDSB
Let’s continue to work together to create schools that are safe and accepting places for all.
Sincerely,
Paul Denomme (he/him)
Superintendent of Student Achievement, Equity and Student Engagement
Resources:
Day of Pink Website
Homophobic, Biphobic and Transphobic Slurs
OK2BME Resources for Schools and Classrooms
Shout Out Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia and Heterosexism
New Brunswick LGBTQ Inclusive Education Resource
Resource Guide & Fact Sheet Understanding and Supporting Transgender…..pdf
Updated on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.