by Justine Chubb 

Our Stage Door Troupe (top left), Evergreen House residents (bottom) and our lovely staff (top right) demonstrating their stand against bullying on #PinkShirtDay

If you happen to notice more people dressed in pink today, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. This year, February 26th marks the day that millions of people around the world will stand together against bullying, discrimination, homophobia and transphobia. Show your support for Anti-Bullying Day (a.k.a. Pink Shirt Day) by wearing pink to symbolize your stance against this behaviour. We hope for everyone to celebrate the diversity we see everyday in our schools, organizations, workplaces, and communities.

Awareness of bullying in all of its forms is important for the continuation of building inclusive communities. Our friends with disabilities in the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Queer & Questioning) community know that all too well. These individuals can face multiple forms of oppression which is why it’s important to surround yourself with a strong group of friends.

The Rainbow Discovery Alliance provides a safe place for people who identify as LGBTQ and those who support them as friends, families and allies of all kinds. The RDA strives to raise awareness of these issues and helps people find a place within their communities.

We also encourage you to attend the “Also Here, Also Queer” Community Building Event on March 12, 2014 from 9:00am-4:30pm at Creekside Community Centre – 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver. The cost is $100, or $25 for self-advocates, family members and students. The UBC Centre for Inclusion and Citizenship is pleased to partner with sprOUT to present this day about creating accessible services for LGBTQ people labelled with intellectual disabilities.

Take a stand today against bullying and join the conversation online! Follow us on twitter at @posAbilitiesCA using the hashtag #DisableBullying.