People across Australia will be donned in purple shirts this August 26th for Wear it Purple Day. The day is about celebrating the LGBTQI+ community, particularly the younger community. Visibility has always been important for the LGBTQI+ community; it helps those who are yet to come out feel comfortable in their identity and supported by their community. You will see people from companies like Apple and Telstra supporting the cause and we encourage you to join in with them.
The most notable activity running on the day is the film screening on George St, Sydney. This event is a free event for queer youths aged 15-26. Enjoy a night out with friends or partners and watch the best of modern LGBTQI+ cinema, be sure to get your tickets here before they sell out.
Wear it Purple was founded in 2010 in response to global stories of real teenagers, real heartache and their very real responses. In 2010, several rainbow young people took their own lives following bullying and harassment resulting from the lack of acceptance of their sexuality or gender identity.
Jett's episode from Series Two: Woven Threads; Stories from Within shows us how complex the experience of a young LGBTQI+ person can be. Jett's experience left his mental health in a dangerous place, he developed Anorexia Nervose, a mental disorder characterised by distorted body image and obsession with food. This illness typically presents in young women, but not exclusively. Jett felt very alone during this time as he'd never heard of another young man suffering from Anorexia Nervosa, let alone a queer one.
Wear it Purple Day is a reminder to all that LGBTQI+ youth are in the community and deserve to feel seen and loved by all. So get your favourite purple T-shirt ready for this August 26th.
Help is available.
If you require immediate assistance, please call 000.
To speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76
For an Indigenous run and led support service please contact Deadly Connections on 18004USMOB or 1800487662
If you are in distress, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or chat online.
Have something on your mind? You can reach out to BeyondBlue at 1300 22 4636 or chat online.
Under 25? You can reach Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
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