Celebrating Inclusion on International Day of Pink 2026

On April 8, people across the world come together to mark International Day of Pink, a day dedicated to standing against bullying and promoting inclusion for everyone, regardless of who they are or how they identify. At Scouts Scotland, we believe this message is central to what Scouting is all about: creating a safe, welcoming space where every young person and volunteer can thrive.

Scouting is at its best when everyone feels safe, welcomed, and able to be themselves. Across Scotland, our volunteers and young people come from diverse backgrounds, and days like International Day of Pink are an important opportunity to reflect on how we put our values into practice.

Martin Elliot, Regional Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland, recently reflected on this, sharing:

“During my time as Regional Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland, I’ve been making a conscious effort to better understand the experiences of the diverse range of communities within our Region, including trans people. I had the privilege of attending Trans Pride Scotland recently, which was a powerful reminder of both the strength of the community and the challenges many still face. It also reinforced for me how important it is that we listen, learn, and create space for people to share their experiences.

Being an ally doesn’t require us to have all the answers – but it does require us to be open, respectful, and willing to act. As volunteers, there are some simple but meaningful things we can all do:

• Listen and learn – take time to understand different experiences and perspectives
• Use inclusive language and respect people’s names and pronouns
• Challenge inappropriate behaviour or language when we see it
• Create welcoming environments where everyone feels they belong

Small actions, taken consistently, make a real difference.”

Martin’s words highlight that fostering inclusion isn’t about grand gestures – it’s about everyday actions, showing respect, and standing up for others. Whether it’s through listening, challenging negative behaviour, or simply creating spaces where everyone feels they belong, our actions matter.

We know that many of our Scouts, volunteers, and groups are already doing fantastic work to make Scouting inclusive. There are some practical resources to help everyone support their members and peers which you can find here.

On this International Day of Pink, let’s continue to ensure that Scouting is a place where every young person and volunteer can be proud of who they are, and feel that they have a place where they belong. 

Thank you to all our members who continue to support a welcoming and safe Scouting environment.