Today is International Day of Pink

International Day of Pink is an anti-homophobia and anti-bullying event held worldwide.

How did International Day of Pink start?

After seeing a gay student getting bullied at school for wearing a pink t-shirt, two straight students stepped in to help. Following on, from that incident they wanted to do more and bought themselves pink t-shirts to wear to school the next day in solidarity. A few days later, the whole school was wearing pink in a stand against bullying and homophobia. International Day of Pink has continued to grow from there with organisations and schools all over the world marking the day.

We love the story behind International Day of Pink, as it illustrates perfectly how by standing together, we can help put an end to bullying and homophobia. All of our foster carers understand what it is to advocate and stand up for the young people in their care. Being in care alone can carry a stigma for children and young people. It isn’t always comfortable or easy to take a stand or call someone out. There are also the times when foster carers have to be tenacious in order to get the help a foster child needs. By taking a stand and being steadfast, foster carers help children who might otherwise slip through the net, to feel valued, accepted and to grow to believe in their own self-worth.

Perhaps you know how it feels to be perceived as “different” as you were growing up, for whatever reason that might be. Have you considered that you could channel that experience into helping a child in foster care? Experience of overcoming adversity is greatly valued as a foster carer. You are likely to have empathy with a young person in foster care and already have tools in helping them to create a safe, happy and healthy future for themselves.

If you are over 21 and have a spare room, don’t hesitate to give our friendly team a call for an informal chat about becoming a foster carer.