Federation joined more than 750 schools and universities as well as a range community organisations, corporations and government departments to recognise and celebrate Wear It Purple Day on 28 August.
The purpose of Wear It Purple Day is to visually communicate to rainbow (LGBTIQ) young people that they have the right to be proud of who they are and that there are supportive people around them. Wear It Purple is also about creating safe spaces in schools, universities, workplaces and public spaces to enable LGBTIQ+ young people to be seen and be safe.
Federation and Teachers Health recognised the day with a joint virtual morning tea, to celebrate LGBTIQ colleagues, members and students. Officers and staff of Federation and Teachers Health heard from the union’s General Secretary John Dixon about the importance and effect of acceptance of LGBTIQ young people. They also heard from Teachers Health’s chief executive officer Brad Joyce about the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the day.
Staff and visitors to Teachers Federation House in Surry Hills were greeted to a purple foyer, and staff wore purple or made their digital spaces purple in support of the day and rainbow young people.
Federation released a video of our Presidential Officers, which communicated the importance of supporting LGBTIQ young people, not just on Wear it Purple Day but every day. In order for students to be successful learners and reach their potential they must feel safe at school and connected to the school culture and community.
The Department of Education also recognised Wear It Purple Day with the Secretary emailing staff about the opportunity the day provides to celebrate diversity and promote the creation of supportive, safe and empowering environments for LGBTIQ people. The Department also posted an article, Schools go purple for change, reflecting how public school communities across NSW wore their hearts on their sleeves and celebrated ongoing efforts to be safe places where every family belongs.
For more information about Wear It Purple visit wearitpurple.org.
Mel Smith is the Officer attached to LGBTIQ matters