International Day of Pink

The International Day of Pink started in 2007 when a teenager faced homophobic bullying at a Nova Scotia high school for wearing a pink t-shirt. Students organized to wear pink as an act of solidarity. It is now a day of action on the second Wednesday in April every year.

Too many 2SLGBTQI 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. 2SLGBTQI 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.  

Despite these challenges, 2SLGBTQI workers and their allies continue to organize. We wear pink to resist homophobic and transphobic harassment, while fighting every day to protect public services that 2SLGBTQI people work in and rely on. CUPE will never stop working to improve the lives of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and intersex workers.

On International Day of Pink, take a stand against bullying and harassment. Wear pink and post a photo on social media with the #DayOfPink hashtag.

Learn more and take action with these CUPE resources:

• Resist attacks that divide us: CUPE stands with trans people
• Bargaining beyond the binary: A negotiating guide for trans inclusion and gender diversity
• Fact sheets on Pronouns and Allies on Gender Diversity
• Guide and pamphlet on workplace harassment.
• Checklist for bargaining 2SLGBTQI  rights. 
• Report on safer public services for 2SLGBTQI workers and older adults

Let’s work together to stop bullying and harassment. Visit our 2SLGBTQI page for more information.