Content warning: This article discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is impacted by self-harm or suicidal thoughts, you can access support through services such as Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 13YARN on 13 92 76. If you or someone you know is in danger, call Triple Zero 000.
In this week’s blog post, we’re celebrating the importance of Wear it Purple Day! We explore some of the background to this day, and this year’s theme ‘Your Passion, Your Pride’.
We will also share some of our observations about how being in care and detention can impact LGBTQIA+ young peoples’ expression of their identity. In doing so, we acknowledge that young people are the experts in their experiences – but we are constantly learning about what it means to be an effective ally.
Where it all began…
30 August is Wear it Purple Day – a day to take pride in LGBTQIA+ young people and strengthen our commitment to advocating for a more inclusive community for all.
The Wear it Purple movement was founded by young people in 2010 in response to global stories of teenagers taking their own lives due to bullying and harassment, and the lack of acceptance of their sexuality or gender identity.
Wear it Purple was established so that young people everywhere would know that there were people who did support, love and accept them – that there was hope, and that they have the right to be proud of who they are.
The Guardian shared her thoughts about Wear it Purple with us:
“Wear it Purple is a really powerful movement. It is a great example of young people leading the way to make our community a better place and it is important that we, as adults, listen to their voices and learn from their experiences.”
This year’s theme…
This year’s theme of ‘Your Passion, Your Pride’ is a celebration of LGBTQIA+ people openly and visibly achieving their dreams in all areas of life – including sport, art, science and more.
In relation to this theme, we felt inspired by the words of Tor Adams, from Wear it Purple’s Youth Action Council (as published in Wear it Purple’s press release) – and would like to reshare those words here:
“For young people who identify as LGBTQIA+, the theme “Your Passion, Your Pride” is an empowering and affirming rally cry to express their true selves to the world and chase their dreams. It’s time for rainbow youth to see and feel a positive surge in successful, happy role models from the LGBTQIA+ community who are living proof it’s possible.”
Here in the Office of the Guardian, we echo Tor’s sentiments, and we are committed to advocating for children and young people’s right to be themselves and be treated with respect.
LGBTQIA+ in care and detention
We are constantly reminded about the strength and unique lives and experiences of children and young people in care and detention. This week we specifically acknowledge those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Coming out and being who you are can be scary, and living in an institutionalised setting can add another layer to this.
Young people in living institutional settings – such as residential care – are more likely to face discrimination due to their sexuality or gender identity than children and young people living in stable family environments. They may not have a trusted person to confide in or to take their desire to express their sexuality or gender identity seriously.
OGCYP Visiting Advocate, Em told us:
“We’ve heard many times how LGBTQIA+ young people can feel isolated, unsupported, and even bullied in their placements.
Everyone’s experience will be different and unique to them, however, if we provide space and acceptance they will be in a better place to continue their journey of identity and discovery.”
Em gave us some practical suggestions as to how we can work together to create welcoming and safe spaces:
“Displaying a pride flag or other visible representation, use of inclusive language, maintaining confidentiality and not accidently ‘outing’ a young person, celebrating unity and achievements, and connecting young people with LGBTQIA + specific health care and peer support services.”
In this office, we have seen firsthand the positive difference this can make for young people:
“Hey that’s got MY flag.”
– 13 year old, non-binary young person when looking at the Charter of Rights poster
Wear it Purple Day is a reminder to all of us of the importance of creating a safe space for young people, ensuring they feel supported, and can talk about their hopes and fears, and ask questions. We encourage everyone to play an active role in celebrating and supporting Wear it Purple Day, including by:
- Listening to LGBTIQA+ young people’s stories and experiences
- Doing your research – learning more about topics that affect LGBTQIA+ young people
- Having courageous conversations – going beyond Wear it Purple Day to create safe and inclusive environments.
For more information and to get involved check out the Wear it Purple website. Or, to get information about supports available for LGBTQIA+ people in South Australia, you can go to the Department of Human Services LGBTIQA+ Services and Support Directory.
