Students and staff at École Port Elgin Saugeen Central School wore pink and formed a giant heart in recognition of The International Day of Pink, April 13.

Hub Staff

There was definitely a dominant colour to be found at École Port Elgin Saugeen Central School (ÉPESC) today, April 13 in recognition of The International Day of Pink.

Similar to the Canadian “Pink Shirt Day” campaign, which takes place in February, The International Day of Pink celebrates diversity and raises awareness on homophobia, transphobia and all other forms of discrimination and bullying.

See: Saugeen Shores students making a statement in pink

Organized by École Port Elgin Saugeen Central's ME to We program, along with their Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), the day started off with an assembly in the morning, where students had the opportunity to learn what the day is all about and why it is celebrated at ÉPESC.

The International Day of Pink started in Nova Scotia when two straight students witnessed a gay student being bullied because he was wearing a pink t-shirt. They intervened in the moment but in a desire to do more, decided to purchase and wear pink shirts themselves. The sentiment grew and others at the school did the same.

“Throughout the week we're discussing how we can be inclusive, how we we can show that we're a good friend and how we can be a good friend to others,” said Ashley Howse, teacher and leader of the school's GSA group.

Liz Sollors, teacher and leader of ÉPESC's ME to WE group, said that they celebrate the day each year. “Because you're going Kindergarten to grade 8, the topic of diversity we keep fairly generic about why it's important to be yourself, why it's important for others to be themselves, why it's important to be a good friend, so all the teachers approach it at their own kids' level,” said Sollors.

As the sun shone down, the entire school - staff and students - gathered outside in the late morning and arranged themselves into a big, giant, pink heart as a reminder of the day and everything it represents.

École Port Elgin Saugeen Central's ME to We and Gay-Straight Alliance group members formed their own heart at today's International Day of Pink, April 13.