Written by Jules, Youth Advisory Group Member. 

The significance of Wear it Purple Day

‘Wear it Purple Day’ is a day that not only celebrates and champions the lives of LGBTQI+ individuals, but also provides the understanding, empathy, and utmost support for our community - recognising that we still have a long way to go to achieve total equality.

It is part of the evolution of LGBTQI+ rights, and the history it encompasses as the fight for equality and fairness has existed for a very long time.

Pride through the years

The first Mardi Gras (June 24, 1978)

Source: 78ers.org.au

Stonewall, 1969

Source: theguardian.com

Marsha P. Johnson

Source: National Women's History Museum

RuPaul

Source: Vogue.com

Laverne Cox

Source: Time.com

History of ‘Wear it Purple Day’

‘Wear it Purple Day’ was founded in 2010 as a response to the many stories of LGBTQIA+ individuals’ treatment in schools and how discrimination was still rampant and needed to be stopped. After being publicly outed by his college room mate, 18-year-old Tyler Clementi, tragically took his own life. Around this time, many other young people sadly succumb to the same fate of Tyler, which sparked a movement.

The movement aimed to raise awareness and spread the word that LGBTQI+ individuals deserve to be seen, heard, loved, and treated with the equal amount of respect.

As a member of the community, I have experienced - firsthand - the marginalisation that comes with being openly trans.

Since 2010, ‘Wear it Purple Day’ has made a global impact - with many echoing the sentiments of the need for equality in all spaces.

That is why ‘Wear it Purple Day’ is more important than ever, to not only spread awareness but to celebrate the beauty of the LGBTQI+ community and the safe spaces where we can all be ourselves without prejudice. 

I am still me, I am still human.

To read more about Wear It Purple Day, visit wearitpurple.org/

If you would like more information on Youth Advocacy or would like to join our Youth Advisory Group (YAG) please click here. 

Banner image source: 78ers.org.au

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This article is part of our youth-led content series created by young people on our Youth Advisory Group, for young people. This content series explores all sorts of issues impacting and inspiring young people across Melbourne’s northern and western regions. Content creators are sponsored through the Victorian Government’s Engage program.