What is 'Wear It Purple' Day?

This year's theme is 'Write Your Story'.

Content Warning: This article discusses suicide.

Seeing a lot of purple out there today?

The last Friday of August is 'Wear it Purple Day', but exactly what is it all about?

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Wear it Purple Official (@wear_it_purple)

Back in 2010, 'Wear it Purple' was co-founded by students Katherine Hudson and Scott Williams "in response to global stories of teenagers taking their own lives due to bullying and harassment".

The organisation "strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people" such as through providing support and resources for places like schools, unis and workplaces (and so much more!).

By wearing purple, "Australian's demonstrate to rainbow young people that they are seen, supported and respected, acknowledging all have the right to be proud of who they are and who they are becoming".

'Wear It Purple' has grown to become an international movement to remind everyone "they have the right to be proud of who they are".

This year's theme, 'Write Your Story', was created by Wear It Purple's Youth Action Council to promote visibility, community and acceptance.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Lawson (Wukawe) (@lawsondodd.art)

In a press release, Youth Action Council member Victoria Adams said, “in a world where social media, the media and our education system often creates pressure to conform to norms, broken structures and set standards, the ‘Write Your Story’ theme encourages young people to embrace their unique perspectives and to share their stories with others."

We've spoken to many amazing Aussies who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community this year.

During WorldPride, Aussie queer creator Emma Horn shared her coming-out story with us and how she has embraced her queerness.

We spoke to Abbie Kelly on our podcast 'How Did I Get Here?' about supporting the LGBTQIA+ community through her Rainbow Shoelace Project, and author Holden Sheppard shared his story about growing up gay in a regional Aussie town.

Let us know how you celebrated 'Wear It Purple Day' today!

If you want to know more about how you can support young LGBTQIA+ people all year round, read more here.

This article discusses suicide. If the content in this article has affected you, or you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call QLife on 1800 184 527, Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, or Lifeline on 131 114. Visit ReachOut to get support to help you with everything from everyday issues through to tough times.