I rise today on behalf of the Yukon Liberal Party to also pay tribute to the International Day of Pink. 

This year represents the 10^th anniversary of the International Day of Pink, a day to celebrate our diversity and to push back against bullying.

The day’s origins go back to when two students in a Nova Scotia high school saw one of their peers being bullied in their high school and supported him by getting everyone at the school to wear pink. Today we all wear pink to show solidarity with those who are bullied or discriminated against.

This inspired the youth at Jer’s Vision, who founded the International Day of Pink, an effort to support their peers internationally, with resources and ways to make their schools safer.

At their worst, bullying and discrimination isolate people, severing them from the support that we all crave. As a community, we must stand up against those who bully, discriminate and foster hate and violence against other people. I urge all who are listening to this tribute or anybody who is reading this later on in Hansard to make your way over to the Day of Pink website,whttp://www.dayofpink.org, and read the Day of Pink quotes from leaders across this great nation.

I was at this time going to read to you one of the quotes that I provided the website but, in order to end the isolation, we must stand together against bullying in all of its forms to create a more accepting and welcoming society for everyone, so, in the spirit of a united front, I wish to quote from another leader who also submitted a quote for the Day of Pink organization — and I quote: “There are many ways in which discrimination can manifest itself. Stereotypical ideas often lead to prejudices that may easily lead to discrimination that will affect how we work, study and treat one another. Ultimately, these stereotypical ideas create barriers: bullying, harassment, hate and violence. I urge… our fellow Yukoners, to stand united against discrimination and bullying in whichever form it may occur.”

Mr. Speaker, that quote was from the Hon. Premier of the Yukon.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the volunteers at Jer’s Vision who organized the great events this year and provide support to anti-bullying against trans and homophobic activities.