Adrian Murdock - Strategic Relationships Team Lead, Minus18.
I’ve been part of Minus18 for over six years now and I’m extremely proud of our commitment to fostering change, building social inclusion, and advocating for a safer and more supportive environment for all young people.
Wear It Purple Day holds a special place in my heart, it’s a day that not only allows us to proudly display our vibrant hues but also serves as an incredibly important reminder of the ongoing struggle for acceptance, understanding, and empowerment that LGBTQIA+ youth face. The team at Wear it Purple Inc have created a beautiful theme, ‘Write your own story’, which not only elevates the voices of queer young people, but reminds allies to make spaces for them to do so.
At Minus18 we celebrate the day with a range of activities helping young people and their communities get actively involved. We share everything from resources for participating in the day, educational resources, pride packs to activate and even a free youth celebration for queer young people – expect a lot of purple and plenty of glitter!
For me, Wear It Purple Day is more than just an opportunity to showcase visibility, It's a celebration of identity, unity, and solidarity. Wearing purple on this day is a symbol of strength, resilience, and a collective commitment to supporting young people who may be exploring their identity.
In my role, I've seen first-hand the transformative impact of creating safe spaces where young people can freely express themselves. In Australia, 2 in 3 LGBTQIA+ young people still experience discrimination (Writing Themselves in 4, 2021), so it's not just about wearing a colour; it's about embodying a spirit of acceptance and inclusivity that can truly change lives.
As Wear It Purple Day approaches, I feel a real sense of anticipation and excitement. The significance of this day extends far beyond its 24 hours, sparking conversations and actions that ripple through the entire year. It's a reminder that our work to create a safer and more supportive world for LGBTQIA+ young people is ongoing, and every step we take matters.
Ashley Scott - Executive Officer, Rainbow Families.
Since cofounding Rainbow Families over seven years ago I’ve seen the incredibly transformative experiences that can happen when inclusion and acceptance become part of the way our communities show up.
Our organisation aims to support, celebrate, empower and advocate for Rainbow Families at every stage of their lives. We’re a voice for those lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQIA+) parents and their kids that mainstream society often neglects, forgets, ignores and discriminates against.
We want everyone to be free to be themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination. Wear It Purple Day amplifies this message by encouraging open conversations about the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of LGBTQIA+ people and their communities, including ours.
Visibility matters. When we see workplaces, schools, and communities coming together to celebrate Wear It Purple Day, it sends a strong signal that we are seen, valued, and embraced. This visibility plays a pivotal role in dismantling stereotypes, dispelling myths, and fostering understanding. It’s vital for LGBTQIA+ people and their families to experience overt acceptance and acknowledgment.
As someone who has navigated the complexities of self-discovery and coming out, I know the impact of positive visibility firsthand. And now being a Dad to two small people, I want them to see this acceptance on display on Wear it Purple Day and throughout the year.
This day prompts conversations that can lead to deeper understanding and meaningful change. By sharing our stories, we illuminate the paths that many LGBTQIA+ people walk, fostering empathy and encouraging allies to actively contribute to a more inclusive society.
By wearing purple, we stand together, showing LGBTQIA people, along with their families and loved ones that they are cherished, supported, and deserving of a world where they are equal and they can thrive.
