Content Warning: this article touches on some difficult themes, including bullying and suicide; discretion is advised.
Celebrated on the last Friday of August each year, it is a day for schools, workplaces, and communities to stand in solidarity, raise awareness, and create affirming spaces where LGBTQIA+ youth can thrive without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
Wear It Purple was founded in 2010 by two students, Katherine Hudson and Scott Williams, in response to a series of tragic global incidents where LGBTQIA+ youth took their own lives due to bullying and a lack of support. Motivated by a desire to combat this devastating reality, the founders initiated a movement to show LGBTQIA+ young people that they are accepted, valued, and loved.
The simple yet powerful concept of wearing purple was inspired by the colour's symbolism within the LGBTQIA+ community, where purple represents spirit on the Pride flag. By encouraging people to "wear purple," the initiative aimed to send a visible, unified message of support.
The core message of Wear It Purple Day is to foster a sense of belonging, especially for young people questioning or affirming their gender or sexual identity.
2025’s event promotes the message: “Bold Voices, Bright Futures”, which emphasises the humanity, dignity, and individuality of every LGBTQIA+ person, beyond labels or stereotypes.
It is not just a celebration of pride but a powerful counter to the isolation and marginalisation that many LGBTQIA+ youth experience. By raising visibility and awareness, Wear It Purple Day helps to:
Combat bullying and discrimination in schools and workplaces.
Educate allies about inclusive practices and respectful language.
Affirm young LGBTQIA+ people, reminding them that they are not alone.
Promote mental health and wellbeing, reinforcing that acceptance and visibility are vital to psychological safety.
Participation in Wear It Purple Day is broad and diverse, spanning schools, universities, corporations, and community organisations. Be it a tenant or customer of 101 Collins, we encourage our community to participate in support. Here’s how:
Wearing purple: Wear purple clothing and accessories to create visibility and spark conversations.
Educational workshops: Seek out workshops, talks, and panels that discuss LGBTQIA+ inclusion, respectful language, and the importance of allyship.
Fundraising and donations: Contribute what you can to the Wear It Purple organisation to further their efforts in supporting initiatives, education, mental health services, and crisis support.
Creative expression: events such as art displays, performances, and storytelling sessions give voice to the diverse experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community.
For LGBTQIA+ youth, seeing their identities acknowledged and celebrated can be life-changing, as it reinforces that their communities value them and that their aspirations and dreams are valid and achievable.
For allies, it is an opportunity to reflect on the role they play in creating inclusive environments.
Visit the Wear It Purple Day website to learn more about how you can engage this August.
