Wear it purple day

Start a conversation

Wear it purple day was born because research shows that 75 percent of Australia’s LGBTIQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Gender-Diverse, Intersex and Queer/Questioning) youth are bullied because of their identity. Because of this, LGBTIQ+ youth are up to 12 times more likely to experience depression and up to five times more likely to experience anxiety.

As a parent these statistics scares me. I want to be part of the conversation that helps reduce the percentage of Australia’s LGBTIQ+ youth that experience bullying.

We all deserve the right to live free of predjudice and discrimination. So this friday I encourage you to stand with me beside our LGBTIQ+ young people. Be part of the conversation to allow them to feel proud of who they are. 

This year’s theme ‘Start the conversation … keep it going’ reminds you that the issues we talk about for Wear it Purple Day should be a focus for everyone, every single day. Communication plays an important role in creating an environment that’s free of discrimination based on sex, gender identity and sexual orientation. 

You can make a difference

If you’re wondering what you can do this “wear it purple day” in addition to wearing purple. Here are a couple of ideas. 

1. Include your pronouns as part of your email signature. This will help others understand how you identify but also provide them with comfort that you are interested to know what their pronouns are so you can use them when communicating.
2. You can be a role model for kindness and inclusion. Don’t tolerate any kind of hateful speech.
3. Show young people that they can be authentic around you.
4. Stay informed and get involved in the fights ahead.

We all share the responibility to empower rainbow young people to be proud of who they are, and who they might become. 

That is it from me today, I hope you have a calm and restful day, one that brings you joy. One free from anxiety and as Positivity and Happiness are Contagious… Start your own Happiness ripple today!