April 13 is International Day of Pink.

People are encouraged to wear the colour to stand up against bullying of those in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

The theme of this year’s day is “Represent.” The campaign’s website says fashion designer, Sunny Fong designed a t-shirt that features this year’s theme word.

“We believe when we wear pink on April 13th, we represent equality, diversity, inclusivity, solidarity, kindness, courage, acceptance and much more,” a statement reads on the campaign’s website.

Marci Ien, Canada’s Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth issued a statement today.

“Today on the International Day of Pink, we renew our commitment to standing up against bullying, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and transmisogyny, and speaking out against the harmful impacts of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression,” said Ien in the statement.

Ien also said the federal government is supporting the implementation of the forthcoming Federal LGBTQ2 Action Plan with $100 million over five years through Budget 2022.

The Hamilton Wentworth District School Board posted to Twitter in support of the day:

Day of Pink originated in Nova Scotia in 2007 when two Grade 12 students witnessed a Grade 9 student being bullied for wearing a pink shirt. In response, they purchased 50 pink shirts and encouraged peers to wear them the next day.

We can’t wait to see #DayofPinkHWDSB today! 💗 pic.twitter.com/paKBhvMqpL

— HWDSB (@HWDSB) April 13, 2022

The board wrote: “International Day of Pink was originated in Nova Scotia in 2007 when two grade 12 students witnessed a grade nine student being bullied for wearing a pink shirt. In response, they purchased 50 pink shirts and encouraged their friends to wear them the next day.”