The New Zealand Association of Counsellors is urging all 2,500 of its members to wear pink in a show of solidarity against all forms of bullying tomorrow. On the eve of Pink Shirt Day, the Association says it’s particularly concerned about bullying towards GLBTI teenagers. President, Jonathan Loan says it’s an increasing problem for school guidance counsellors, many of whom are under-resourced. He says many teenagers in this group are victimised by their peers and adults and this makes them vulnerable to depression, self-harm and even suicide. “The NZAC is urging Kiwis to wear their pink shirt and take a stand,” Loan says, adding bullying is not just a schoolyard issue dealt with by school guidance counsellors. “Bullying is a form of violence and there is always a victim who usually suffers greatly, often both physically and mentally,” he says. “It’s increasingly being recognised in the workplace, at home, on the sports field – everywhere people show intolerance, meanness and small-mindedness. Loan says it’s particularly appropriate that Pink Shirt Day follows the success of marriage equality legislation. “That shows just how tolerant we are as a nation, and how much we support and celebrate diversity and value positive social relationships. “We need to apply the same ‘give everyone a go’ mindset throughout our society.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 16th May 2013 - 12:37pm