This year we’re celebrating the 10 years of Wear It Purple Day, a nationwide movement which strives to create safe and inclusive spaces for young people in the LGBTIQA+ community. The theme for this year is ‘We Are The Change!’ and is aimed at giving young members of the community opportunities to be the leaders of the future and to be the change that accepts the LGBTIQA+ community.
Wear It Purple Day became a movement following a series of suicides of rainbow young people in the US as a result of bullying and poor mental health. Back in Australia, young members of the rainbow community are drastically overrepresented in poor mental health outcomes and are at a greater risk of suicidal behaviours than their peers. In fact, LGBTIQA+ persons are twice as likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness, and between the ages of 16 and 27, are five times more likely to attempt suicide (National LGBTI Health Alliance). These are statistics that Wear It Purple Day is aiming to change. The goal of Wear It Purple Day is to host events, create spaces and open dialogue about the well-being of LGBTIQA+ young people. All in the hope that one day rainbow youth won’t have to face harassment and bullying, just for being who they are, they won’t have to waste their energy trying to fit in, but instead thrive in their school or work environment and focus on their own personal goals just like everyone else.
Of course, this year Wear It Purple Day is going to look a little bit different. Normally schools, unis, businesses and public spaces can be found decorated in a sea of purple and crowded with people donning a purple item of clothing as a symbol of solidarity for the movement. But in 2020, a series of online rallies, events and shows are taking place instead. But according to president and director of Wear It Purple Day, Ross Wetherbee, this is a fantastic opportunity to virtually connect with rainbow youth living in regional, rural and even international areas who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to be a part of the celebrations.
Over at Empowered Together, we’re all Wearing It Purple today and showing our support for the LGBTQIA+ youth in our community. Even though we can’t physically be together, it’s always important to show your allyship for the rainbow community because all of us are the change.
Check out Wear It Purple’s website to learn more