Today, break out your brightest pink outfit, your biggest smile, and your kindest heart! It's International Day of Pink – a day dedicated to celebrating diversity, fighting against bullying, and creating a world where everyone feels safe, respected, and celebrated for who they are.
What started as a courageous act by a few high school students has transformed into a worldwide movement. This awesome day reminds us that small acts of kindness can spark powerful change. It's a chance to stand together, raise our voices, and show the world that love will always win. Whether you're proudly wearing pink, speaking up for someone who needs it, or simply starting a conversation about inclusion, every action counts.
When is the International Day of Pink?
The International Day of Pink is always the second Wednesday in April. In 2024, that is April 10th.
What is the International Day of Pink?
International Day of Pink has a simple but powerful origin story. It all began at a high school in Canada, where a student was relentlessly bullied simply for wearing a pink shirt. But instead of letting the bullying continue, two courageous classmates, Travis Price and David Shepherd, decided to take a stand. Deeply affected by the injustice, they bought dozens of pink shirts, passed them out, and rallied their entire school to wear pink in a powerful display of solidarity.
This act of kindness ignited a movement. It showed the targeted student that he wasn't alone and sent a clear message that bullying and discrimination wouldn't be tolerated. What started as a local act of support quickly spread, inspiring similar events in schools across Canada. Soon, the second Wednesday of April was officially recognized as International Day of Pink – a day dedicated to celebrating diversity, challenging prejudice, and fostering environments where everyone feels safe, respected, and celebrated.
Today, International Day of Pink is a global phenomenon. From schools and community centers to workplaces and social media, people around the world wear pink, organize events, and engage in conversations promoting kindness and acceptance. It's a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against bullying and a testament to how even small gestures can create a ripple effect of positive change.
Celebrate International Day of Pink with Music
Music can be a powerful weapon in the fight against bullying and discrimination! Songs with messages of empowerment and self-acceptance can uplift our spirits, remind us that we're strong, beautiful the way we are, and deserve a world where we are all celebrated. Let's dive into some awesome tracks perfect for creating an unforgettable International Day of Pink playlist filled with music against bullying!
Songs Celebrating Resilience and Self-Love
This is Me - from The Greatest Showman (performed by Keala Settle, also covered by artists like Demi Lovato and recently performed in our Drag Me to the Movies concert): This empowering anthem celebrates self-acceptance and finding the strength to be proud of who you are, even if you feel different.
““When the sharpest words wanna cut me down,
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out.
I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I’m meant to be.
This is me.””
Roar - Katy Perry: A classic self-empowerment song about finding your voice and refusing to be silenced.
““I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter,
dancing through the fire
’Cause I am a champion
and you’re gonna hear me roar””
Brave - Sara Bareilles: A beautiful reminder that courage lies within all of us, even when it feels hard to speak up.
““You can be amazing
You can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drug
You can be the outcast
Or be the backlash of somebody’s lack of love
Or you can start speaking up”.”
Scars to Your Beautiful - Alessia Cara: This song challenges beauty standards and celebrates the unique stories our "scars" represent.
““There’s a hope that’s waiting for you in the dark
You should know you’re beautiful just the way you are
And you don’t have to change a thing””
Born This Way - Lady Gaga (LGBTQIA+ artist): An iconic LGBTQIA+ anthem of acceptance and a reminder that we were all born to be exactly who we are.
““No matter gay, straight, or bi, lesbian, transgendered life
I’m on the right track, baby, I was born to survive””
Shake it Off - Taylor Swift: A playful pick-me-up song about shrugging off negativity, letting go of judgment, and embracing your authentic self.
““Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake, shake it off””
Sissy That Walk - RuPaul: This empowering dance-pop anthem encourages owning your individuality, strutting with confidence, and defying expectations, , perfect for building self-esteem in the face of bullies.
““Pick myself up, turn the world on its head
Don’t forget what, don’t forget what my mama said
People talking since the beginning of time
Unless they paying your bills, pay them bitches no mind””
Songs Celebrating Uniqueness
True Colors - Cyndi Lauper: A timeless anthem about letting your true self shine and not being afraid to stand out.
““Your true colors are beautiful like a rainbow”.”
Keep Your Head Up - Andy Grammer: An upbeat reminder that everyone deserves a chance to shine and that individuality is beautiful.
““I know it’s hard, know it’s hard
To remember sometimes
But you gotta keep your head up, oh oh
And you can let your hair down, eh eh eh eh eh””
Firework - Katy Perry: This track encourages listeners to let their inner light shine bright, recognizing that each person is special and has something unique to offer the world.
““You don’t have to feel like a waste of space
You’re original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow”.”
Raise Your Glass - P!nk: This energetic pop-rock anthem encourages everyone to let their unique personalities shine and celebrate their quirks.
““So raise your glass if you are wrong,
in all the right ways”.”
Fkin' Perfect - P!nk:** A defiant song about resisting societal pressure to fit a certain mold and embracing yourself, flaws and all.
““Pretty, pretty please, don’t you ever,
ever feel like you’re less than f**kin’ perfect”.”
Songs About Allyship and Standing Up for Others
Imagine - John Lennon: A timeless classic, envisioning a world without divisions, a perfect message for International Day of Pink.
““You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.
I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will live as one””
You Will Be Found - from Dear Evan Hansen: This song offers a message of support and inclusion for anyone who has felt alone or ostracized, reminding them of the importance of being seen and valued.
““Even when the dark comes crashing through,
when you need a friend to carry you,
and when you’re broken on the ground, you will be found.””
We're Not Gonna Take It - Twisted Sister: A fierce anthem urging listeners to stand up against injustice and fight for what's right, even if it means challenging the status quo.
““Oh, we’re not gonna take it,
no, we ain’t gonna take it, oh,
we’re not gonna take it anymore”.”
Where is the Love? - The Black Eyed Peas: This soulful hip-hop track questions intolerance and envisions a world filled with empathy and compassion. Key lyric:
““Father, father, father, help us
Send some guidance from above
’Cause people got me, got me questioning
Where is the love?””
Can't Take That Away (Mariah's Theme) - Mariah Carey: A deeply personal anthem about overcoming adversity, embracing your strength, and refusing to let the negativity of others break you down.
““And they can try hard to make me feel that I
Don’t matter at all
But I refuse to falter in what I believe
Or lose faith in my dreams””
Here's how you can harness the power of music to make this Day of Pink unforgettable:
Pump Up Your Pink Day Playlist!
Choose your favorites from this list or find even more empowering anthems. Turn up the volume and let the music fuel your Day of Pink spirit.
Share the Soundtrack of Kindness
Did a song give you goosebumps or lift your mood? Pass it on! Share these tracks with friends or someone facing a tough time.
Turn Up the Conversation
Music has a way of opening hearts and minds. Use these songs as a starting point for discussions about bullying, acceptance, and building a better world.
Get Your Creative Juices Flowing
Feeling inspired? Channel the positive energy of these songs into your own artwork, writing, or other creative projects. Spread messages of empowerment!
Keep the Good Vibes Flowing
Did we miss your absolute favorite International Day of Pink anthem? Share it in the comments! Let's keep building a playlist that celebrates kindness, courage, and the beauty of being yourself.
Remember, the fight against bullying and the celebration of diversity don't stop with just one day. Let the spirit of International Day of Pink echo throughout the year. Carry these songs with you. Keep spreading kindness. Keep speaking up for what's right. Keep working to build a world where everyone feels safe, respected, and celebrated for exactly who they are.
Together, we can create a world where the music of acceptance overpowers the noise of hate.
