Wear it Purple Day will be held on 30 August this year and unites LGBTQIA+ youth and allies to shine a light on the thousands of schools, community organisations, universities and workplaces that are coming together to create a more inclusive future.

By wearing purple, Australians demonstrate to rainbow young people that they are celebrated and respected, acknowledging all have the right to be proud of who they are and who they are becoming.

Originally founded by students in response to global stories of teenagers taking their own lives due to bullying and harassment, Wear it Purple Day has become an international movement of love and support.

This year’s theme is Your Passion, Your Pride, with artwork by Nicky Tsekouras, the winner of Wear it Purple’s Youth Action Council (YAC) design competition to create a campaign message and artwork in celebration of LGBTQIA+ people openly and visibly achieving their dreams in sport, art, science and more.

“At Wear it Purple we believe that providing space and visibility to spotlight the inspiring achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community can change lives,” said Wear it Purple president Brenna Harding. 

“Celebrating the impassioned and powerful accomplishments of LGBTQIA+ role models allows rainbow youth – and Australians at large – to dream of brighter and more inclusive futures.”

To play an active role in celebrating Wear it Purple Day in your school, community organisation, university, or workplace this year: 

• Speak to your school: To see how they plan to celebrate Wear it Purple Day and the policies, practices they have in place to create supportive and safe spaces for students and teachers. 
• Do your research: Jump onto great sites like wearitpurple.org or some of their community partners to learn more about topics like pronouns, coming out, supportive affirming conversation and gender identity to name just a few. 
• Host or attend panels and keynote events: The power of storytelling and visibility enables rainbow youth to connect to community and empowers allies to be changemakers in their own environments. 
• Prioritise key issues through established pride employee network groups: Champion topics like pronouns, gender affirmation and identity, inclusive language and active allyship. 
• Continue courageous conversations: Go beyond Wear it Purple Day to create safety in classrooms and workplaces across the country.

Nicky Tsekouras is a celebrated multidisciplinary visual artist and workshop facilitator. They inspire creativity and bring community together, particularly through their work with young people.

Nicky’s college workshops and art initiatives focus on expression, identity and community to create safe spaces and open environments where young people can freely express themselves.

YAC executive Tor Adams said: “Not only is Nicky a talented visual artist, they embody Your Passion, Your Pride. Nicky has been awarded and celebrated for creating community in all they do, from high profile art initiatives to social impact events and volunteering, so they will no doubt inspire LGBTQIA+ youth and allies with the theme and their own personal accomplishments this Wear it Purple Day.”