NDP celebrates International Day of Pink

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP Kristyn Wong Tam (Toronto Centre), Critic for 2SLGBTQI+ Issues & the Attorney General released the following statement on the International Day of Pink:

“Today is a day for applauding the courage of 2SLGBTQI+ Ontarians for turning up for who they are every single day despite the barriers placed in their way and, many times, vitriolic hate.

The International Day of Pink is a day to stand up against bullying, homophobia and transphobia. It began in 2007 when a teenager at a Nova Scotia high school was bullied for wearing a pink t-shirt. The following day, students banded together in solidarity against bullying and wore pink to school.

Even though Ontario has made a lot of progress and become a more inclusive place for 2SLGBTQI+ people, unfortunately the reality in this province is that they continue to face barriers to equal opportunity, housing and health care. This reality is even more heartbreaking for our siblings of colour and those living with disabilities.

The Ontario NDP and I are strongly committed to achieving the best outcomes for 2SLGBTQI+ communities and working together to ensure they get access to the very best Ontario has to offer. We also remain steadfast in our promise to eliminate all types of violence and harassment that endangers the members of this community, and work towards building a province where everyone feels safe in expressing themselves as they wish, and staying true to who they are.”