Why We Wear Purple
Content note: This story includes references to suicide, mental health challenges, bullying, and discrimination toward LGBTIQA+ young people. If you or someone you know could use some support regarding these themes, we highly recommend accessing free and confidential support via Rainbow Door on 1800 729 367, QLife on 1800 184 527 or Lifeline on 13 11 14, as well as via the links at the end of this article.
Why, on the last Friday of August for 15 years, have we rummaged through our wardrobes desperate to find something we own that’s the colour purple?
Wear It Purple Day is an important day in the calendar for LGBTIQA+ young people. It all started as a student-led initiative by Katherine Hudson and Scott Williams in response to the tragic loss of Tyler Clementi, a young American who died by suicide in response to being the target of homophobic bullying.
The day was their way of spotlighting the broader crises of bullying, discrimination, mental health, homelessness and suicide affecting LGBTIQA+ young people.
The movement has grown into a bold, international celebration of identity, youth empowerment and community. Encouraging everyone to wear something purple is a simple yet powerful act of visibility among workplaces, schools and community groups.
Whether it’s a badge, a shirt, or a sequinned suit (as one of our corporate clients likes to don), purple is a unifying gesture of support and the ongoing legacy of Tyler Clementi.
“I wear purple because I grew up in a small regional town where there was no visible LGBTIQA+ representation.”
“As a young queer person, I often felt isolated and unseen. Wear It Purple Day is a powerful opportunity to flip that script, to celebrate who we are and create the visibility I once needed. It’s a day to show young people that they belong, just as they are.”
– Alex Delaney (he/him) | Head of Operations and Partnerships | Queer Town
Why Wear It Purple Day matters
Almost 60% of young LGBTIQA+ Australians have experienced verbal abuse
Almost 80% of students and teachers living in regional and remote areas heard negative comments made about LGBTIQA+ communities
Almost 60% of LGBTIQA+ young people considered suicide
– From Writing Themselves In 4 (2021) and Private Lives 3 (2020)
Despite growing visibility, the reality for many young LGBTIQA+ people in Australia remains deeply challenging. We remind the people we work with every day that these numbers are not just statistics, they represent real people in our communities and the heavy, life-threatening burden too many of our young people carry.
That’s why Wear It Purple Day matters. It’s a visible and vocal act for inclusion. It’s a chance to demonstrate to every queer young person, especially those feeling isolated at school, at home, or in rural communities: You are special. You are important. You are not alone. You’ve got a whole community of support here waiting for you.
Celebrating Wear It Purple Day reminds us why allyship is crucial, sparks vital conversations and demonstrates that allyship isn’t passive, it’s something we choose, and in this case, wear.
“I wear purple because I want my kids to grow up in a world where being LGBTIQA+ isn’t something you survive, it’s something you celebrate.”
I grew up in country NSW, and I feel like I absorbed (and even sadly perpetuated at times) many of the negative attitudes and beliefs that still harm young queer people today.
As a queer parent now, I want to break that cycle and show young queer people, especially in regional communities, that there are people who love and support them.”
– Law Donnelly (she/her) | Director | Queer Town | pictured left with her family
bring your people together
This year, Wear It Purple Day falls on Friday 29 August. Here’s how you can honour this important day. Gathering with teams at work, school or in your community groups is a great way to build connections and deepen your commitment to LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, dialling in a remote team, or simply wanting to deepen your understanding, Queer Town’s 30-minute Why We Wear Purple session is designed to educate and empower teams to engage with LGBTIQA+ issues purposefully.
Duration: 30 mins (25 mins + 5 mins for questions)
Presenter: Archie Beetle (they/them), Founder/CEO of Queer Town
Audience: All staff welcome – suitable for all levels of awareness
Together we’ll explore:
Why Wear It Purple Day matters
How to be an ally day-to-day
Practical tips and strategies for inclusive action
Short and sweet, inspiring, and easy to plug into your day. Don’t wait, spots are filling up fast!
book now
“I wear purple for the kids who’ve been told to be embarrassed or ashamed of who they are.”
“For the kids who spend each day afraid that being themselves will put their safety, support networks, and reality at risk.
For the kids who’ve been taught by the adults in their lives that who they know themselves to be, and what they feel at their core, is somehow unnatural.
As a young person, I spent most of my time hiding, hypervigilant, and afraid of the repercussions of my authenticity.
Today, I wear my authenticity on my back, in purple, for everyone to see, especially the young people searching for permission to be themselves.”
– Archie Beetle (they/them) | Founder + CEO | Queer Town
At the heart of it, Wear It Purple Day is about visibility, safety, and celebration. By welcoming purple into your colour wheel, you’re showing a true stance against hate and being a catalyst for empathy and connection. That’s what LGBTIQA+ allyship is all about.