It’s easy to forget the history behind Pink Shirt Day. Seven years ago, in 2007, a grade nine student was being bullied in a Nova Scotia school simply because he wore a pink polo shirt one day.
Grade 12 students, Travis Price and David Shepherd, responded. They didn’t need to confront the bullies directly; instead, they stood in solidarity with the bullied student. They collected pink shirts, rallied friends and other students and held what would become the first Pink Shirt Day. In doing so, they let the grade nine student know, that he wasn’t alone. Their actions were a statement: you matter. They did, what research has shown us over the years, that by building someone up, (or increasing their protective factors) they were able to address the issue of bullying, by preventing it by positive action. Sometimes, it’s as simple as that.
In the years since, Travis has held on to the momentum from that one day and created a movement across Canada and around the world. The actions of two 17 years old have literally changed the lives for thousands of others; with many youth sharing how much the movement has meant to them. You can visit the Pink Shirt Day website and hear some of the amazing stories that have come out of the continued efforts of youth, teachers, school boards and governments. (You can also donate today and help them continue their good work across Canada.) As more organizations, systems and businesses become engaged with the movement, spreading the word, raising awareness and fundraising for bullying prevention programming, it’s easy to forget that this movement was started by youth, for youth. It’s easy to forget that the roots of this movement are linked to homophobia and gender based bullying. It’s easy to forget that Pink Shirt Day was and is about building someone up, not tearing them down. It was a statement that bullying behaviours were not acceptable in their school and that everyone needs to be accepted, regardless of who they are, where they are from, what language they speak, who they love, how they identify or what they wear. It was a statement that everyone belongs. Lastly, it was a reminder, to myself at least, about how young people can be, and often are, the agents of the most powerful change in the lives of themselves and their peers.
It’s important to remember that bullies belong too. Regardless of their behaviours and actions, they too matter and are important. They may offend us with their words or how they treat others. They might make us scared, confused or angry when we see the negative effects their choices have on others. Yet we can’t let that stop us from working to continue to build these young people up (and probably the adults who bully as well) and remind them of these things. We need to ensure someone is building relationships with these youth and helping them develop new skills and ways of responding to stress, anxiety and other life challenges. As much as we need to for victims of bullying, we need to address and build their protective factors – to give them the best chance they have to make healthy and safe choices.
I am a fan and support Pink Shirt Day because it sends a clear message to those who have been bullied and victimized that they are not on their own in this journey. I hope that, at the same time, it reminds youth, teachers, helpers and systems that young people who bully, need to hear that same message: you don’t have to be alone along this path. You belong…and we’ll stand alongside you. We’ll do our very best to build you up.
Lastly, I am a fan because I hope; it gets us as adults talking…allies, teachers, parents, leaders and politicians. Maybe if we talk about it enough – we will have the bravery shown by Travis, David and the millions of others around the world who are not simply taking a stand – but who are courageously looking at themselves and their actions. If we can do that – own and build from our own negative behaviours while role modelling positive healthy relationships – we can be of the best service to children and youth.
So today, I’m wearing pink. I’m wearing it to remember the roots, the pain of that one youth and power of the youth who stood alongside him. I’m wearing it to role model. I’m wearing it to engage in conversation. I’m wearing it to build you up. I’m wearing it to remind you that you matter, are important and belong.