The International Day of Pink takes place this year on April 8, 2026. Millions of people will wear pink to stand against bullying, discrimination, and hate, and to stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Part of the mission is to empower youth to challenge social norms. As such, most of the curated works for this month’s display come from our Educational Curriculum Resources Centre and are aimed at children and young adults.
Queer Love, Romance & Friendship
When perusing the bookshelf, be sure to check out the many works of fiction that centre queer love in all its forms. Steven Salvatore’s And They Lived… is a tender contemporary romance that follows a queer teen navigating first love, self‑doubt, and the pressures of being an artist. Parisa Akhbari’s Just Another Epic Love Poem is a coming‑of‑age love story where friendship and romantic feelings collide, complicating a once‑comfortable bond. Ryan and Avery, by David Levithan, is heartfelt story that unfolds over the course of a single night as two boys meet, connect, and explore the beginnings of a relationship.
Belonging & Cultural Intersectionality
Part of the International Day of Pink’s mission is to stand up to discrimination based on race, age, ability, gender, or sexuality. As such, this month’s book display also features works that poignantly and creatively mix race, culture, gender, and sexuality. The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School, by Sonora Reyes, is a sharp, funny, and heartfelt novel about a queer Mexican American teen balancing strict Catholic school rules, family pressures, and the courage to come out. Patricia Park’s Imposter Syndrome and Other Confessions of Alejandra Kim is a witty, thoughtful exploration of identity as a Korean‑Argentinian American teen navigates cultural expectations and academic pressures. My Paati’s Saris, by Jyoti Rajan Gopal, is a picture book celebrating culture and gender expression as a child finds joy and affirmation in wearing their grandmother’s saris.
Bullying & Resilience
At its core, the International Day of Pink stands against bullying, discrimination, and hate. Many featured works tackle these difficult subjects through different styles: fiction, nonfiction, verse novels, and graphic novels. First is Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone, by Tae Keller, which is a mystery novel where a group of middle schoolers search for a missing classmate. Accountable, by Dashka Slater, is a nonfiction narrative examining a racist social media account created by teens. C. G. Moore’s Trigger is a verse novel depicting a teen’s experience with trauma, bullying, and chronic illness. Weirdo, by Tony Weaver, is a graphic novel about a socially anxious teen who must navigate school pressures, identity, and the journey toward embracing one’s unique self.
Gender Identity, Expression & Trans Experiences
Many books in this month’s display are nonfiction works that examine 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences in childhood, such as Free to Be: Understanding Kids & Gender Identity, by Jack L. Turban This work is a supportive, research-based guide that helps young readers and their families explore gender identity and expression. Athlete Is Agender: True Stories of LGBTQ+ People in Sports, by Katherine Locke et al., features a collection of real stories highlighting LGBTQ+ athletes who challenge gender norms and redefine inclusion within competitive sports.
Memoirs
Perhaps the most affecting works in this month’s display are the many memoirs of identity and 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences. Pageboy: A Memoir, by Elliot Page, is a deeply personal account of Page’s life, career, and coming out as trans. Dan Santat’s A First Time for Everything is a humorous graphic memoir that reflects on adolescence, travel, and the awkward but formative moments that shape who we become. From Here: A Memoir, by Luma Mufleh, tells the inspiring story of the author’s journey as a queer Syrian immigrant in the U.S., with a focus on advocacy. Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer: A Memoir is a graphic memoir tracing Kobabe’s journey of discovering their nonbinary and asexual identity.
To learn more about the International Day of Pink, please visit https://www.dayofpink.org/
