Toronto Metropolitan University was awash in pink when more than 100 community members gathered to commemorate Day of Pink, an international event dedicated to standing against bullying, homophobia and transphobia.
This year's theme, "Honour Re-Emergence," set the tone for an event that featured powerful personal stories, heartfelt calls to action and a vibrant celebration of 2SLGBTQ+ resilience.
What began in 2007 as a spontaneous act of solidarity – when two Canadian high school students mobilized their entire school to wear pink shirts after a gay classmate was bullied for wearing one – has evolved into a global movement that recognizes both the progress made and the challenges that remain.
Held in the Student Learning Centre (SLC), the April 9 event brought together students, faculty and staff from across campus, representing all levels of the university community.
Speakers emphasized that while the pink shirts are a powerful visual symbol, true allyship requires sustained commitment and concrete action.
"Will you be the person who speaks up? Will you be the person who wears pink not just today, but every day, in every way that matters?" Cris Nippard, a second-year journalism student and Toronto Metropolitan Students’ Union's queer space lead, asked the crowd.
Nippard has been recognized with many accolades for her activism including the Bill 7 Scholarship and the Viola Desmond Award.
"Allyship isn't just about wearing a shirt. It's about making sure that when we're fighting for our survival, we're not fighting alone."
- Cris Nippard
Ryan Kerr, manager of institutional events and Positive Space Faculty & Staff Network events lead, was frank about the current climate.
"There are lots of horrible things that are increasing across society right now. People have felt emboldened to speak against trans people specifically, and also 2SLGBTQ+ people more generally,” he said.
Cris Nippard, journalism student and TMSU Queer Space lead, addresses the audience. (Photo: Cal Campos)
