The second Wednesday in April is International Day of Pink. Day of Pink started in 2007 when a teenager was subjected to homophobic bullying at a Nova Scotia high school for wearing a pink t-shirt. Students organized to wear pink as an act of solidarity.
By wearing pink on April 13, we challenge homophobic and transphobic harassment and show solidarity with 2SLGBTQ+ people.
Too many 2SLGBTQ+ workers continue to face exclusion and violence in their jobs. Trans and non-binary people face added barriers to decent work, health care and housing. 2SLGBTQ+ people who also experience racism, ableism and other forms of oppression are even more likely to have low incomes and insecure housing. At the same time, they are also more likely to face violence, harassment and police brutality – especially if they are Black, racialized and/or Indigenous.
For many, COVID-19 has made matters worse. 2SLGBTQ+ workers have been hit especially hard by layoffs and reduced hours. Despite these challenges, 2SLGBTQ+ workers and their allies continue to organize. We wear pink to resist homophobic and transphobic bullying, while fighting every day to protect public services that 2SLGBTQ+ people work in and rely on. CUPE will never stop working to improve the lives of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, trans and intersex workers.
On April 13, take a stand against bullying. Wear pink and post a photo on social media with the #DayOfPink hashtag.
Learn more and take action with these CUPE resources:
Let’s work together to stop bullying and harassment. Visit our 2SLGBTQ+ page for more information.
Langley School District #35
(Custodial & Maintenance)