Journal

Wear It Purple Day: Celebrating It Now More Than Ever

Written by

Rossco Karabelas
Location

Naarm / Melbourne, Australia
Illustration by

Nicky Tsekouras
Theme

News, Thoughts & Opinions
Date

September 2024

SHARE ON

Celebrating It Matters Now More Than Ever

In Australia, LGBTQIA+ young people are nearly five times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. This alarming statistic, highlighted in the 2023 Youth Mental Health Report by Mission Australia and Black Dog Institute, underscores the urgent need for support, awareness, and action. Wear It Purple Day is a vital part of that response.

The Significance of Wear It Purple Day

Lets be honest, no one wants to wear purple; but we do to stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ youth, showing them that they are valued, loved, and supported. Given the stark reality that so many young people in this community face mental health challenges and are at a significantly higher risk of suicide, this day serves as a crucial reminder of the work we still need to do.

Why This Day Is Essential

The statistics are not just numbers; they represent real lives impacted by discrimination, exclusion, and a lack of understanding. LGBTQIA+ youth are often subjected to bullying, harassment, and a pervasive sense of isolation that can lead to severe mental health issues. Wear It Purple Day is an opportunity for schools, workplaces, and communities to come together and show that there is a different path—one of inclusion, acceptance, and love.

Statistics That Matter

Bullying and Harassment: LGBTQIA+ youth in Australia face significant challenges in school environments. According to the Writing Themselves In 4 national report by the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS), 74.7% of LGBTQIA+ students reported experiencing verbal abuse due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, and 36.2% reported physical harassment.

Mental Health: The 2023 Youth Mental Health Report by Mission Australia and Black Dog Institute found that LGBTQIA+ young people in Australia are nearly five times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. Additionally, 60% of LGBTQIA+ youth reported high or very high levels of psychological distress.

Support Systems: Research from La Trobe University’s Writing Themselves In 4 report indicates that students who attended schools with supportive policies and programs, such as Safe Schools, were 50% less likely to experience homophobic abuse and were more likely to feel safe at school.

Making a Difference: The Role of Wear It Purple Day

Celebrating Wear It Purple Day is about more than just wearing a color. It’s about creating environments where LGBTQIA+ youth feel safe and supported. Schools that actively promote inclusivity, through policies and programs like Safe Schools, see a reduction in bullying and an increase in the well-being of their students. This day is a call to action for all of us to do more, to be allies, and to stand up against the discrimination that too many young people still face.

Moving Forward Together

As we observe Wear It Purple Day this year, let’s remember the lives behind the statistics. Let’s recognise the immense challenges that LGBTQIA+ youth face and commit to being part of the solution. By celebrating Wear It Purple Day, we are taking a stand for a future where every young person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live without fear and thrive in a supportive community.