The International Anti-Bullying campaign started in November 2004 when a boy wore a pink polo shirt to school, and was bullied because they thought he was gay. Two upperclassmen, Travis Price and David Shepherd, took a stand, and encouraged their schoolmates to wear pink to school the next day. Their call ensued an overwhelming support with a large number of students wearing pink, and the bullies never bothered anyone afterwards. That act of kindness sparked a worldwide monumental change.
In the Philippines, the Human Rights Watch published a report stating that students in our country still face rampant bullying based on their SOGIE, including educators, and people who should be protecting children and youth from any form of discrimination. Young people who are bullied and harassed by their peers, families, and mostly by people close to them become more confused about their sexuality, repress their SOGIE, and worse, lead to self-hatred. In the end, young LGBTIQ+ persons drop out of school, are robbed of their education and their true selves, which most of the time cause depression.
Let us make a statement, and continuously wear pink in solidarity with the victims of different forms of violence and bullying. 🌈🌈🌈
#AntiBullyingWeek #StandUpToBullying #ChangeStartsWithUs #YEStoEquality #LoveWins
