wear it purple: a day of solidarity for rainbow youth

You might not think purple is your colour, but you should don some of the hue this Friday. Wondering why we here at Lip so concerned about what you’ll be wearing for once? Well August 29 is Wear it Purple Day, an initiative to recognise and support sexuality and gender diverse young people in their right to be themselves.

The event was founded in 2010 by Australian youth and organisers have heard of participants in New Zealand, North America and Europe taking to the cause. Even New South Wales emergency service crews are on board this year.

‘Wear it Purple believes that every young person is unique, important and worthy of love,’ organisers say, highlighting their core beliefs. ‘We believe no one should be subject to bullying, belittlement or invalidation: whoever you are.’

Each year, WPD is themed around a particular issue affecting LGBTI youth. In 2013, the focus was on the pejorative use of the word ‘gay’. While this is something that is yet to be abolished from the English lexicon, the campaign reported success.

This year organisers are looking to combat stereotypes across schools, the community and social media to allow “rainbow youth” more autonomy from such preconceptions.

‘Rainbow young people are often perceived as being exclusively defined by their sexuality and gender identity, this is a limiting way of viewing dynamic individuals,’ the event’s Youth Action Council say.

It’s simple: if you believe sexuality and gender diverse youth deserve the right to a life of equality and understanding, wear the shade. Purple is so your colour, darling.