Today thousands of people around the country are dressing in pink to speak up and stand together to stop bullying. First starting in Canada in 2007 when two school students took a stand against homophobic bullying when a young student was harassed for wearing pink, May 20 is now recognised around the world, and here in New Zealand as Pink Shirt Day. As the LGBTI community here in New Zealand experiences high rates of bullying, especially in schools, Pink Shirt Day is a particularly important day for our communities. The Youth‘12 national health and wellbeing survey of New Zealand secondary school students found that same or both sex attracted students were three times more likely to be hurt or bullied weekly at school and transgender students, or those unsure of their gender identity, were nearly five times more likely. An initiative of the Mental Health Foundation, spokesperson, Moira Clunie says bullying is far too common in New Zealand and has significant and ongoing impacts on people's mental health and wellbeing. “We know that students who are bullied are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety and avoid going to school. In the workplace, bullying harms workers’ health, wellbeing and ability to do their job,” she says. “Pink Shirt Day shines a light on these serious issues and mobilises the community.” Pink Shirt Day is supported by organisations such as RainbowYOUTH. Executive Director Duncan Matthews says, “We hope that through education and campaigns like Pink Shirt Day our queer and gender diverse people can feel safer and more secure in all environments.” This year, the highest number of groups ever have responded to the call, with over 300 individuals, schools, community groups, universities, businesses and workplaces taking part in Pink Shirt Day across the country. GayNZ.com is welcoming photos from our readers who are supporting Pink Shirt Day, to be added to our #PinkShirtDay album, send your photos through to news@gaynz.com To support the Pink Shirt Day movement, text PINK to 2446.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 20th May 2016 - 10:28am