On Wednesday, many students wore pink. But advocates say LGBTQ youth need support all year

published on April 17, 2022 by Jessica Wong in CBC News

The mood inside Bowmore Road Junior and Senior Public School was electric this week, as a sea of rose- and fuchsia-clad students, teachers, parents and administrators marked this year’s International Day of Pink with the school’s first in-person assembly since COVID-19 hit.

Many hours went into the pink-hued artwork, messages and decorations enlivening the Toronto elementary school’s halls; glittery streamers hung from the gymnasium ceiling and students and staff energetically practised their speeches and performances.

The whole school community pitched in for the event held Wednesday, on the annual day to combat homophobia, transphobia, bullying and discrimination against those in the LGBTQ community.

“It feels like an important day because it is an important day,” said 13-year-old Sebastien Carter, a Grade 8 student who was excited for the kind of in-person gathering that COVID-19 “took away” from students…