Friday 26 August is Wear It Purple Day, an international day to raise awareness of the experiences of LGBTIQA+ young people and to show them that there is hope, support, and acceptance for those with diverse sexuality, sex, and/or gender and that they have the right to be proud of who they are.
Still Me, Still Human
The year’s theme is ‘Still Me, Still Human’. This theme encapsulates the message of humanity, honesty, integrity, and authenticity when discussing all diverse identities within the LGBTQIA+ community
Supporters of the day and its message, wear purple to celebrate and support members of the LGTBIQA+ community, while also discouraging discriminating behaviours in schools, universities, workplaces, and in the broader community.
Check out our page on Bystander Action to learn how you can become an active bystander.
Get Involved
There are several ways staff and students can get involved this year:
- Wear purple clothing or accessories on Friday 26 August.
- Download some free Wear it Purple Day resources to raise awareness (e.g. Zoom backgrounds, posters) Alternatively have a look at some of Rainbow Health Victoria’s great backgrounds and resources.
- Be passionate about creating a safe space for all LGBTIQA+ young people.
Further, explore and promote the great work going on across La Trobe in the LGBTIQA+ space.
What’s on at La Trobe
STF Drag Queen Bingo
In honour of La Trobe Pride Week and Wear It Purple day, Student Theatre & Film is inviting you to a wild hour of fun, laughter, lip-syncing, and bingo balls!
Join Abril Latrene, as she brings her unique flavour to these bingo calls. With-out-of-this-world lip-syncs performance and two rounds of bingo… Could you ask for anything more…?
Never played bingo before? Do not worry! This is a fun, inclusive event where Abril will hold your hand and sing you through it!
Friday 26 August, 1 pm – 2 pm
Prizes include:
Limited edition Abril Latrene Tshirt
A box of delicious treats delivered directly to your door
Wear It Purple Day and STF Merch Pack
This is a FREE event open to all La Trobe students and staff! Please register for your tickets, so that your Bingo Card can be sent through!
Finding Pride
Finding Pride is a 7-week therapy group program for LGBTIQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, asexual +) students to connect, learn to face challenges and find direction.
Please note: Our Finding Pride groups for 2022 are now fully booked, but we hope to return with more groups in 2023. Please submit an expression of interest or email pride@latrobe.edu.au if you are wanting to be notified when registration for future groups becomes available.
ARCSHS
Launched in 2021 by the Australian Research Centre in Sex Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University with support from Rainbow Health Victoria, Writing Themselves In 4 is Australia’s largest-ever study on the health and wellbeing of LGBTQA+ young people aged 14-21.
For Wear it Purple Day, we invite you to watch and share this three-minute animated video. This video includes reflections from the members of the Writing Themselves In 4 LGBTQA+ Youth Advisory Committee on the findings of the study, and their vision for positive change to improve lives.
Rainbow Health Victoria
Rainbow Health Victoria is a program that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) health and wellbeing through research and knowledge translation, training, resources, policy advice and service accreditation through the Rainbow Tick. This program is located within the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University and is funded by the Victorian government.
Rainbow Network
Learn more about Rainbow Network, Rainbow Health Victoria’s project to empower health and human services that work with young people to provide safe, welcoming and inclusive services for young LGBTIQ+ Victorians.
LGBTIQA+ Resource Hub
View our LGBTIQA+ resource hub for more information and resources.
Support
If this article has brought up issues for you, remember there is support:
- QLife: LGBTIQA+ specific phone and web-based peer support and referral service, on 1800 184 527 or at their website.
- Lifeline: 24 hours a day phone support on 13 1114.
- You can also connect with the LBTIQA+ specific counselling support and group programs offered by the La Trobe University Counselling Service.
- If you or someone you know is in immediate danger contact 000.