Today is Wear It Purple Day, and it matters now more than ever

Held on the last Friday of August each year, Wear It Purple Day supports and celebrates LGBTQIA+SB young people. Today, August 28, Australians are being encouraged to wear purple as a powerful show of visibility, acceptance and support.

Founded in 2010, the day was established in response to young people taking their own lives as a result of bullying and harassment from the lack of acceptance of their sexuality or gender identity.

The concept is simple: wear purple at your school, university, workplace or community organisation to show your support.

Everyone is encouraged to share their photos on social media using the hashtag #WearItPurple, helping spread a message of support and acceptance.

The day comes as the lives of LGBTQIA+ young people continue to be politicised, silenced and weaponised.

Wearing purple may be a simple gesture, but it can be a powerful nod of acceptance and a visible way to let LGBTQIA+ young people know they belong, and that they are supported.

Wear It Purple is about much more than one day

The Australian awareness day was formed by young people because their families, friends or school environments couldn’t accept them for who they were.

18-year-old Tyler Clementi took his own life after being publicly outed as gay by his roommate. This prompted young people who had the same experience to share how they felt online.

What grew from this was a new sense of conviction and purpose. Where a group of young people encouraged others to let LGBTQIA+ youth know they are not alone.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bradley Cresswell (@bradcresswell)

Even though today is the official Wear It Purple Day, the week has been filled with events around the country and powerful online statements of acceptance and affirmation.

To see this evolution of an awareness day continue to grow in this way through central and regional spaces is truly special.

Because we want young people who feel isolated or alone to know that there is hope, that they are valued, and that they are welcome.

This year’s theme is Colours of Courage

Being courageous isn’t just about the big moments or movement.

Jacq Moon is the artist behind this year’s Colours of Courage artwork, which celebrates community, activism and having our voices heard.

The colours in this year’s theme reflect the diversity of identities, experiences and stories within our communities. Like light through a prism, every colour is different, but together they create something powerful.

View this post on Instagram

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

The Wear It Purple website says Colours of Courage “celebrates the many different forms of courage shown by LGBTQIA+SB young people, allies and communities every day,”.

“Courage can look like speaking up, standing out and creating change. It can also take quieter forms of bravery, like living authentically, coming out, asking for support, standing beside someone, or choosing pride and hope in spaces where being yourself does not always feel easy.”

“Colours of Courage recognises the bravery it takes to push for change in schools, workplaces, communities and institutions where conversations about LGBTQIA+SB lives do not always happen.”

“It celebrates the allies who choose to stand up, speak out and ask what they can do to help create safer, more inclusive spaces. It also honours the courage of generations of LGBTQIA+SB people who came before us, and the strength of young people today as they continue to build community, connection and visibility.

“Because courage is not only found in the big moments. It is found in the everyday choices to live proudly, support others and invite people into understanding, acceptance and celebration.”

Be sure to share what purple you are wearing today online and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WearItPurple.