Real Stories | Pink Shirt Day

Individuals

Nat: a fierce anti-bullying advocate

By being open and candidly sharing their experiences, Nat hopes to show others how important it is to speak up

Individuals

Ihaka Whanarere

Finding identity and joy through Te Ao Māori and Kapa Haka

Individuals

Nicola Frater

Nicola Frater is a multi-faceted woman. She is a loving parent to three adult children. She is a person of faith, having spent decades serving her community as an Anglican Priest. And, she is a transgender woman - an identity she is only recently embracing as her own.

Individuals

CV Shastry

CV Shastry is an Asian New Zealander and proud Upstander who is doing his part to stop bullying and discrimination against Asian communities.

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Lucy Barge

Upstander Lucy is a published poet, piano teacher, and proud Pink Shirt Day advocate

Individuals

Tangaroa Paul: Finding belonging in Te Ao Māori as a gender fluid person

Tangaroa Paul is the kind of person who lights up a room just by walking in. With a huge smile and an infectious giggle, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Tangaroa’s life has been non-stop sunshine and laughter. However, dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that Tangaroa’s journey has been anything but straightforward.

Individuals

Elle

Elle has regularly faced racism since she moved to Aotearoa 17 years ago. She sees racism as a frequent and distressing part of her life.

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Te Manahou Mackay

Decide whether someone’s opinion is worth listening to

Individuals

Richard Hills

Bullying can change people’s lives

Individuals

Jenene Crossan

Jenene Crossan knows what it’s like to be bullied for having COVID-19. As one of Aotearoa’s earliest positive cases, she’s faced ‘heinous online trolling’ and personal attacks since she contracted the virus on her way home from London.

Individuals

Proud to be me: Aziz Al-Sa'afin

For journalist Aziz Al-Sa'afin, Pink Shirt Day represents an opportunity for Aotearoa to stand united against bullying. “It will be the most amazing thing to see a sea of pink on the day. It’s such a strong, positive and powerful message to send out there – it takes the power back.”

Individuals

Pretty in Pink

As a plus size style and self-love writer, Meagan Kerr is all too familiar with how challenging it can be to find fashion that fits all shapes and sizes. That’s why, she is pleased that the range of Pink Shirt Day t-shirts has been extended to 5XL, so that more plus-sized people are able to support the Pink Shirt Day kaupapa.