As a committee with lived experience, the Gippsland Pride Initiative Inc. wish to acknowledge the tremendous importance of Wear It Purple Day 2020 – a day dedicated to empowering young LGBTIQA+ people and celebrate diversity.

In Australia, 11.2% of young people identify as attracted to the same sex. That is 110 people in a school of 1000, or 2 in a group of 20. Despite this big number, discrimination and harassment still occurs against people who are, or even appear as, LGBTQ+ members.

Wear It Purple Day, offers the opportunity for education around sexuality and gender diversity, as well as a way to break harmful stereotypes surrounding the LGBTQ+ community. We have the chance to spotlight how LGBTQ+ people are normal human beings, who exist in all spaces. With greater awareness comes the creation of a safer, more accepting society.

While we have taken huge strides in the direction of equality, we are still far from true freedom and acceptance. Horrible discrimination didn’t happen “a long time ago.” It was only 42 years ago when the 78ers marched down Sydney’s streets and created what we know today as Mardi Gras. In some countries people still face violence, torture, and even execution because of who they love, how they look or who they are.

Look after yourselves and each other, with love from the Gippsland Pride Initiative Inc. committee: Caitlin, Sarah, Sal, Dannii, Kerrie, Russell and Clinton www.gippslandpride.com

For more information, or to donate go to Wear It Purple