International Day of Pink has been celebrated annually on the second Wednesday of April and this year it will be marked on . This day was created as a campaign to end bullying against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, continuing the fight for equality, diversity, and acceptance. The day aims to make the world more inclusive and diverse. On this day, people around the globe are encouraged to wear pink and stand against bullying and in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The community believes that wearing pink on International Day of Pink represents acceptance, courage, diversity, equality, and inclusivity.
History of International Day of Pink
Day of Pink started in 2007 when two straight high school students, David Shepherd and Travis Price, witnessed a gay student being harassed for wearing a pink polo shirt in Central Kings Rural High School in Nova Scotia, Canada. They decided to take action and went to a nearby discount store, buying 50 pink shirts, including tank tops, to wear to school the next day. They shared the news online with their classmates, inviting them to join the cause against homophobic bullying. On the next day, hundreds of students showed up wearing pink clothes.International Day of Pink was founded by Jer’s Vision (now the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity). Although similar to Pink Shirt Day in February, which is to end all forms of bullying, International Day of Pink in April is specifically to stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in their continued fight for equality and acceptance. The day is meant to make the world more inclusive and diverse, encouraging youth to challenge social norms, ask for more from their educators, and stand up against 2SLGBTQIA+ bullying.Discrimination can be based on age, disabilities, gender, race, or sexuality, and it persists in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. International Day of Pink is celebrated as the first step to making a difference, removing these social barriers from society. Wearing pink on this day is believed to represent acceptance, courage, diversity, equality, inclusivity, kindness, and solidarity. Support and involvement from the people outside the community will help spread the message of creating a more inclusive and diverse world. Hopefully, discrimination against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community will come to an end.
International Day of Pink timeline
The Stonewall Riots take place as a response to a police raid.
Two high school students stand in solidarity with a gay student against homophobic bullying.
International Day of Pink is established by Jer's Vision.
President Obama designates the Stonewall National Monument, dedicated to LGBT rights and history.
International Day of Pink FAQs
Was pink a man's color?
Actually, pink was considered to be a masculine color. Men wore red in the 1920s and considered pink for boys.
Can you go to jail for harassment?
First, you’ll get an injunction for harassment, and if you keep harassing a person after you get the injunction, you could go to prison.
When did pink become a girl’s color?
The color pink became a ‘girly’ color in the 1950s when many people started buying pink for girls.
How to Observe International Day of Pink
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Wear pink
Celebrating the day by wearing pink is a way to show you are against bullying, homophobia, and transphobia. Be part of the change in making the world more inclusive and diverse.
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Spread the word
Tell your non-homophobic friends about the day so that they can also show support to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Every support and involvement matters to end discrimination.
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Donate or shop
You can donate to the International Day of Pink to help them continue their efforts. You can also help spread the message by purchasing their items, such as T-shirts and buttons.
5 Interesting Facts About Sexuality
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It’s not a choice
Sexuality is not a choice made consciously by a person.
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Two in 100 people are non-heterosexual
Around two in 100 people identify themselves as bisexual, gay, or lesbian.
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Some know their sexuality
Some people know what their sexuality is, and some others choose to experiment while exploring theirs.
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Homosexuality is not a mental illness
Homosexuality was once thought to be a mental illness, but it is not anymore.
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It’s common to be unsure of it
Being unsure of or uncomfortable with your sexuality is common.
Why International Day of Pink is Important
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To make a difference
Discrimination is never a good thing. International Day of Pink gives the people a chance to stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to end discrimination against them.
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To fight for acceptance
Every person in the world needs to be accepted for who they are. Since discrimination still persists in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, the day is to continue the fight for acceptance and equality among the community.
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To make the world a better place
The world can be better when it becomes more inclusive and diverse. International Day of Pink is the first step to making that possible.
International Day of Pink dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 12 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | April 12 | Friday |
| 2025 | April 12 | Saturday |
| 2026 | April 12 | Sunday |
| 2027 | April 12 | Monday |
