Day of Pink

mohawk students celebrating day of pink

Celebrate with us!

What is Day of Pink?

“April 8, 2020 is the International Day of Pink!

Discrimination takes many shapes, whether it’s based on race, age, disabilities, gender or sexuality. The 2SLGBTQIA+ community is no stranger to the bullying and violence that stems from hateful beliefs. While progress has been made towards removing these social barriers from our society, discrimination still persists. So, every year, on the second Wednesday of April, we urge people around the world to put on a pink shirt and stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to continue fighting for equality and acceptance.

Whether it’s in Canada or beyond, we need to stand up against hateful beliefs to keep the clock from turning backwards on our efforts towards establishing equality for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. It’s time now to educate the future generation to not repeat history, demand more of our politicians and policy makers, and participate in creating real change through real effort.” – Int. Day of Pink

Community Resources:

About the Progressive Pride Flag: "Quasar's Progress Pride Flag adds five arrow-shaped lines to the six-coloured Rainbow Flag, which is widely recognised as the symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. The flag includes black and brown stripes to represent marginalised LGBT communities of colour, along with the colours pink, light blue and white, which are used on the Transgender Pride Flag." -Dezeen .com"

Graphic from LSPIRG shows text framed in a flower wreath. The graphic says: "It's okay to not be open with your family about your sexuality. It is also okay to call them on their queerphobia. You know what sort of relationships are best, all options are valid. #HomeButNotAlone"]

Official Day of Pink website

Watch our video

 

The above video was created for the International Day of Pink activities in April 2017

History of Day of Pink

Discrimination comes in many forms, including the following: racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, colonialism, and antisemitism. These forms of discrimination create barriers, and can be experienced asbullying, harassment, hate and violence. No one should have to experience the negativity created by discrimination. The 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.

Each year on the second Wednesday of April, millions of people wear pink and take a stand. The Day of Pink is a symbol, a spark that empowers and inspires youth across Canada to create amazing social change!

The International Day of Pink was started in Nova Scotia when two straight high school students saw a gay student wearing a pink shirt being bullied. The two students intervened, but wanted to do more to prevent homophobic & transphobic bullying. They decided to purchase pink shirts, and a few days later got everyone at school to arrive wearing pink, standing in solidarity. The result was that an entire school took a stand and began working together to prevent homophobic & transphobic bullying.

Historically, students at Mohawk College were inspired by creating similar spaces of inclusion and taking a stand against discrimination at Mohawk College and so began Day of Pink at Mohawk College.

 

Photos from Past Events