In recognition of Wear it Purple Day and our mission to support LGBTQIA+ youth at UNSW, Arc, the Queer Collective, and the ally@UNSW invite you to learn more about the history of Wear it Purple and to help create a safe and inclusive environment for queer youth on and off campus.
The theme for Wear it Purple Day 2023 (25 August), "Write Your Story", focuses on the importance of personal expression and individuality in a world where there is often pressure to conform to certain norms and standards.
For young people who identify as LGBTQIA+, the theme represents the importance of taking ownership of their narratives and to share their experiences in their own voices. This process of storytelling can be empowering and affirming and by speaking from their hearts, young people can also contribute to a broader cultural shift towards greater acceptance and visibility for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Supporting LGBTQIA+ youth does not always have to involve going to rallies or donating money. Here are some other ways you can work towards becoming an active ally:
Wear it Purple is an Australian organisation that works to support safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people. They work with schools, universities and youth organisations to provide resources, education and opportunities for Queer youth to engage in community.
Every year, on the last Friday of August (25 August in 2023), Wear it Purple encourages schools, universities and workplaces to run events that educate on Queer identities and encourage the development of safe and inclusive spaces. These events often run as fundraisers for the organisation, to be able to increase their community outreach and provide greater resources, or for similar LGBTQIA+ youth focused organisations and charities.
