April 13 was officially declared Pink Day in Yorkton.
In a presentation to Yorkton City Council members Monday evening, local youth (and members of the YUMMY group - Yorkton Understanding Minds of Many Youth) Delyse Kormos and Meaghann White said this is an International event intended to both raise awareness and put an end to bullying, discrimination and homophobia in schools and communities.
"We invite everyone to celebrate diversity by wearing a pink shirt and by organizing activities in their workplaces, organizations, communities and schools."
Bullying, the girls point out, deprives many children and adults of their right to live and work in a peaceful and supportive environment.
"Discrimination comes in many forms including: racism, sexism, homophobia, ageism and anti-semitism - just to name a few. These social diseases create barriers, bullying harassment, hate and violence. No one should have to experience the negativity created by discrimination."
Day of Pink represents a shared belief in celebrating diversity and as well, a commitment to being open minded, accepting differences and learning respect for one another.
The initiative started after a youth in Nova Scotia was bullied because he wore a pink shirt to school. Deciding to stand up for him, his fellow students - hundreds of them - came to school wearing pink.
Yorkton residents were encouraged to get behind the cause and to wear pink April 13.
