On 25 August 2023, LGBTQIA+ youth and allies unite in record numbers to celebrate ‘Wear It Purple Day’ as thousands of schools, community organisations, universities, and workplaces prepare to celebrate nationwide.
Rainbow Chaos, a local LGBTIQAP+ group who holds regular get togethers and social activities for Ipswich youth, will be hosting a special Wear It Purple night at the Villa-They Ipswich Community Centre from 4pm to 7pm.
By wearing purple, Australians demonstrate to rainbow young people that they are seen, supported and respected, acknowledging all have the right to be proud of who they are and who they are becoming.
Originally founded by students in response to global stories of teenagers taking their own lives due to bullying and harassment, Wear it Purple Day has become an international movement of celebration and support.
This year’s theme, “Write Your Story”, is created by Wear It Purple’s Youth Action Council (YAC) to give voice to growing rhetoric in the LGBTQIA+ youth community around the importance of personal expression and individuality.
ABOUT THE “WRITE YOUR STORY” THEME
VISIBILITY ‘Write your Story’ promotes Visibility – allowing LGBTQIA+ youth to see themselves represented in the world around them.
Crucial for those who may feel isolated, marginalised, or uncertain of their place in the world, as it can help to validate their experiences and provide a sense of belonging through expression and connection. When LGBTQIA+ youth share their lived experiences, they become part of a broader cultural narrative that can help to challenge negative stereotypes and promote greater understanding and acceptance.
COMMUNITY ‘Write your Story’ promotes Community – through sharing a connection to others who have had similar experiences and create a sense of belonging that builds community for our LGBTQIA+ youth.
At Wear It Purple one of our core focuses is to provide opportunities for this collaboration and to create supportive environments.
This is especially important for those who may feel isolated or unsupported in their everyday lives – when LGBTQIA+ youth come together to share their stories, they can create a powerful sense of solidarity and support to help promote resilience.
ACCEPTANCE ‘Write your Story’ promotes Acceptance – Sharing lived experiences can also promote acceptance by challenging negative stereotypes and fostering empathy.
When non-LGBTQIA+ people hear about the experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth, it can help to humanise their struggles, their successes, their challenges and their joy. This leads to great understanding, acceptance, and support, all crucial for safety and wellbeing.
Source: wearitpurple.org.au
0 Comments