What is Wear it Purple Day? - Creating an Inclusive Environment in Your Organisation

Wear it Purple Day, celebrated annually on the last Friday of August in Australia, is a social event aimed at showing support for young people in the LGBTQ+ community. It originated in 2010 when a group of high school students decided to take a stand against the bullying and harassment faced by their LGBTQ+ peers. They chose the colour purple from the rainbow flag, a symbol of Pride and the LGBTQ+ community, which represents 'spirit'.

Wear it Purple Day is more than just wearing a colour; it's about showing solidarity, fostering safe spaces, and encouraging inclusivity and diversity in our schools, workplaces, and community at large. The goal is to let young people everywhere know that they have the right to be proud of who they are - regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.

The colour purple has long been associated with the LGBTQ+ community, symbolising the spirit on the Pride flag. On Wear it Purple Day, donning this hue is a visual manifestation of support for young LGBTQ+ people. By wearing purple, you're sending a clear message of acceptance, respect, and understanding - reinforcing the idea that everyone should feel secure and valued for who they are.

In the spirit of Wear It Purple Day, consider engaging influential figures who champion LGBTQ+ rights to further inspire and educate. With Pickstar, you have access to an array of personalities who are passionate about equality, diversity, and inclusion. They can deliver powerful messages that resonate, aiding in creating a supportive environment.

Creating a supportive and inclusive environment is key to empowering LGBTQ+ individuals. It begins with respect - acknowledging each person's unique identity and experiences. Promoting open dialogue about LGBTQ+ issues can also help demystify misconceptions and breed understanding. It’s also important to challenge any discriminatory behaviour and language, ensuring every individual feels safe and accepted.

Schools, workplaces, and community groups can enrich these efforts by inviting guest speakers to share their experiences and insights. Consider hosting an event in honour of Wear it Purple Day, featuring speakers who can inspire and educate. Through Pickstar, you can easily connect with advocates like Jason Ball and Chloe Logarzo.

Influence is a powerful tool, and sports stars like Jason Ball and Chloe Logarzo wield it to advocate for change.

Jason Ball is not only an Olympic Athlete but a pioneering LGBTIQ advocate who publicly came out in 2012. His brave act was instrumental in challenging homophobia in sports and driving cultural change within the AFL. An ambassador for Beyond Blue, Ball has shared his story with thousands of people in schools, workplaces, and sporting clubs across Australia, highlighting the damaging impact of discrimination on mental health. He continues to be a national figurehead for combating homophobia and was named the 2017 Young Australian of the Year for Victoria.

Chloe Logarzo, a remarkable sportswoman and an openly gay athlete, works tirelessly to challenge the stigma surrounding queer athletes. She believes that athletes should be recognised for their sporting performance, not their sexuality. Her journey towards embracing her authentic self has inspired many, teaching the value of self-acceptance and the power of being true to oneself.

These inspiring individuals can be booked via Pickstar for events at schools, sporting clubs, or workplaces. Their experiences and insights can foster a deeper understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.

While Wear it Purple Day is a fantastic initiative that promotes inclusivity and support, it's crucial to remember that the conversation shouldn't stop when the day ends. Fostering an inclusive culture is an ongoing process, and it's up to each of us to contribute to this continually.

Booking influential figures like Jason Ball and Chloe Logarzo for future events is one way to keep the conversation going. Their compelling stories continue to inspire and motivate individuals long after Wear it Purple Day. They are not just symbols of change but also catalysts, driving the conversation forward and advocating for equality every day.

Remember, every step, no matter how small, contributes to creating an inclusive environment. Together, we can make a difference. So, on the last Friday of August, let's wear purple with pride and continue to support LGBTQ+ youth, not just for a day, but every day.