Issues
Celebrating Wear it Purple Day By Colleen Mack Women and equity officer
Wear it Purple Day falls on Friday 28 August and is about showing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) young people that they have the right to be proud of who they are. The day strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people and those questioning their sexuality or gender identity. The theme for 2020 is “We are the change�. Wear it Purple Day started in 2010 when several rainbow young people took their lives due to bullying and harassment over their sexuality or gender identity.
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Western Teacher
August 2020
Today 75 per cent of LGBTIQ+ youth will be bullied because of their identity and 80 per cent of this happens at school. The result is that LGBTIQ+ youth are 12 times more likely to experience depression and five times more likely to experience anxiety. Is your school or TAFE a safe place where LGBTIQ+ young people are seen and supported? We hope so. Wear it Purple Day is a special day to remind us to let everyone see respect, acceptance and inclusion. Having a special event at your school or TAFE helps show LGBTIQ+ youth they are supported and belong.
Schools that register an event by 17 August will receive a free Wear it Purple Day pack. See wearitpurple.org for more ideas, resources and information. Inclusive Education provides free professional development to principals, teachers and support staff, and support, advice and resources to metro, regional and remote schools. Visit their website at: bit.ly/2X1NUcn Visit the Equal Opportunity Commission WA website for resources for school staff, as well as the sexuality and gender based bullying in schools fact sheets for parents and care givers, students and staff at bit.ly/3gBe6U4 and bit.ly/31Zj8pC Be part of a movement that will help save lives.
