Celebrating Wear It Purple Day 2024:
Embrace Diversity and Support LGBTQIA+ Youth

At The Family Co., we believe in the power of community, acceptance, and love. That’s why we’re excited to celebrate Wear It Purple Day 2024. Held annually on the last Friday of August, Wear It Purple Day is a special occasion dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth and promoting inclusive environments where everyone feels safe, valued, and loved.

What is Wear It Purple Day?

Wear It Purple Day was founded in 2010 in response to the alarming rates of bullying and harassment faced by LGBTQIA+ young people. According to Wear It Purple, 75% of LGBTQIA+ youth experience bullying due to their identity, and these experiences significantly impact their mental health and well-being. The mission of Wear It Purple is to foster supportive, safe, empowering, and inclusive environments for rainbow youth. For more information, visit wearitpurple.org.

Why We Wear Purple

On August 30th, we encourage everyone to wear purple as a symbol of solidarity and support for LGBTQIA+ youth. The colour purple represents spirit on the LGBTQIA+ pride flag, symbolising the bravery and resilience of these young individuals. By wearing purple, we send a powerful message: you are not alone, and you are loved.

Introduce or Strengthen Culture Change Initiatives for Employees

Wear It Purple Day is not just a single day of awareness; it's a catalyst for lasting change within our families, communities and our organisations. It’s an excellent opportunity to introduce or strengthen culture change initiatives that can influence your workplace year-round.

Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Create or invest more in an LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group.
• Evaluate your policies, practices, and benefits to ensure they are inclusive and supportive of LGBTQIA+ individuals (including gender-neutral language).
• Provide adequate gender-neutral bathrooms.
• Encourage your workplace to take part in the Australian Workplace Equality Index.
• Develop a calendar to celebrate and promote key LGBTQIA+ events year-round.

When employees feel encouraged and supported to bring their whole selves to work, it contributes to their well-being, satisfaction, and often leads to improved work outcomes.

Consider the intersections of identity that may multiply challenges, discrimination, and barriers at work—and make these a priority!

Opening Conversations at Home

Wear It Purple Day also presents an opportunity to open some meaningful conversations with your kids or family members about identity, acceptance, and inclusion. These discussions can be instrumental in creating a safe and supportive home environment where everyone feels free to express who they truly are.

Here are a few ways to start those conversations:

• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Start by asking questions like,
  "How do you feel about the idea of everyone being accepted for who they are?" or
  "What do you think it means to be true to yourself?"
  These questions can help children and family members reflect on their own beliefs and feelings about identity.
• Share Stories: If you know of inspiring stories about LGBTQIA+ individuals, share them with your family. Stories of bravery, acceptance, and resilience can be powerful tools in helping others understand the importance of inclusivity.
• Normalise Diversity: Discuss how diversity is a natural part of life and something to be celebrated. You might say things such as,
  "Everyone is unique, and that’s what makes the world such an interesting place. It’s important that we all feel safe and loved, no matter who we are."
• Encourage Expression: Let your family members know that it’s okay to express themselves in whatever way feels right to them. Whether it’s through clothing, hobbies, or the people they choose to spend time with, self-expression is a vital part of identity.

By having these conversations, you’re helping to create a home environment where acceptance and love are the foundation. This, in turn, reinforces the values that Wear It Purple Day is all about.

Why It Matters

Wear It Purple Day isn’t just about wearing a colour—it’s about making a statement. It’s about standing up against bullying and discrimination and creating a world where every young person feels safe, supported, and free to be themselves.

At The Family Co., we are committed to fostering a community where everyone can thrive. Join us in celebrating Wear It Purple Day 2024 and sparking these conversations, together we can make a difference.

For more information on how you can get involved, visit wearitpurple.org.

Let’s paint the town purple and show our support for LGBTQIA+ youth!

Download Free Wear it Purple Day Colouring Page here.