Toronto Police Service celebrates International Day of Pink with students

Toronto Police Service News Release

Toronto Police Service celebrates International Day of Pink with students

Wednesday, April 9, 2014 - 10:10 AM
Corporate Communications:  416-808-7100

On Wednesday, April 9, 2014, the Toronto Police Service, in partnership with the students at Oakwood Collegiate Institute, celebrated the International Day of Pink by highlighting student-based anti-bullying initiatives and an awareness video created by members of the Service's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer (LGBTQ) Internal Support Network.

Students at Oakwood Collegiate Institute have been spending the last several weeks developing anti-bullying campaigns that were showcased for the first time at the celebration. Projects included taking an anti-bullying pledge, creating dance and spoken-word performances, and a door-decorating contest.

"We are delighted to partner with the Toronto Police Service on initiatives that celebrate diversity," said TDSB Director of Education Donna Quan. "The TDSB is committed to providing positive spaces for all students and staff."

The Toronto Police Service video features members speaking about their personal experiences and history. It is aimed at students and youth, offers support, encouragement, guidance, resources, strategies and advice for coping with bullying and empowering those who witness bullying.

"The Toronto Police Service has included anti-bullying initiatives in almost every aspect of our service delivery," said Chief William Blair. "There is no better time to showcase these initiatives, and our partnership with the Toronto District School Board, than the International Day of Pink."

The International Day of Pink started when a Nova Scotia teen was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. His fellow students rallied - by all wearing pink - and showed their solidarity against LGBT-based discrimination.

The Toronto Police Service would like to thank the following community partners for their support and dedication to making this year’s International Day of Pink event a success:

- Toronto Police Service LGBTQ Community Consultative Committee
- Oakwood Collegiate Institute and the Toronto District School Board
- Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
- Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club & Rogers Centre

For anyone who is a victim of bullying, has witnessed bullying or who is a bully, there are resources available. Please visit any of the following websites for support:

Toronto PFLAG - http://www.torontopflag.org
Kids Helpphone - http://www.kidshelpphone.ca/teens/home/splash.aspx
SOY – Supporting our Youth - http://www.soytoronto.org
The 519 Community Centre - http://www.the519.org
Egale Canada - http://egale.ca



Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications