Minister Cleveland issues media statement on Pink Shirt Day ...

Today, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement for Pink Shirt Day:

“As we mark Pink Shirt Day in the Northwest Territories, nationally and internationally, I ask all residents to promote safe environments for everyone – today and every day.

“Bullying takes place anywhere, including schools, workplaces, communities, and online. It also takes many shapes, whether it is based on age, race, religion, gender, sexuality or physical differences. In Canada and beyond, 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth face disproportionately high rates of bullying, homophobia, and erosion of rights – a trend that is showing no sign of slowing down but one that we must take a stand against.

“Pink Shirt Day has humble origins. It was inspired by two teenagers in Nova Scotia who stood up for a classmate who was picked on for wearing a pink shirt.

“The students wanted to do more to prevent homophobic and transphobic bullying, so they bought pink shirts for all the boys in their school to wear. This simple act of kindness and anti-homophobia sparked a global movement that has grown in popularity year-over-year.

“Pink Shirt Day reminds us to take a stand against bullying in all forms and to do our part to eliminate it at its source. It also reminds us to celebrate diversity and everyone’s uniqueness.

“On Pink Shirt Day – and every day – let’s choose kindness and lift each other up. I encourage all Northwest Territories residents to wear pink, to take a stand, and to speak up for equality and acceptance for everyone, especially some of our most vulnerable and marginalized residents.”

You can learn more about Pink Shirt Day here: https://www.pinkshirtday.ca/

Media Requests, please contact:

Cabinet Communications

Government of the Northwest Territories

PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca