Wear It Purple Day 2024: Empowering LGBTQIA+ Youth to Dream Big and Celebrate Their Passions

On August 30, 2024, Australia will unite in vibrant support of LGBTQIA+ youth with the annual Wear It Purple Day. This special day is all about shining a spotlight on the importance of inclusion and acceptance, celebrating the diverse identities and dreams of young people across the nation.

The Power of Purple

Wear It Purple Day invites Australians to don their most colorful purple attire as a show of support for LGBTQIA+ youth. By participating, individuals send a powerful message: that every young person deserves to be celebrated, respected, and proud of who they are. This annual event acknowledges that everyone has the right to be their true selves and pursue their dreams without fear or prejudice.

A Movement Born from Tragedy

Wear It Purple Day was originally founded by students in response to heartbreaking stories of young people taking their own lives due to bullying and harassment. What began as a student-led initiative has evolved into a global movement of support and love, helping to foster a more inclusive world.

This Year’s Theme: "Your Passion, Your Pride"

The theme for 2024 is "Your Passion, Your Pride," featuring striking artwork by Nicky Tsekouras, winner of Wear It Purple’s Youth Action Council (YAC) Design Competition. Tsekouras's work celebrates LGBTQIA+ individuals who are achieving their dreams across various fields, from sports and arts to science and beyond. This year's theme encourages young people to embrace their passions and take pride in their identities.

Inspiration from Nicky Tsekouras

Tor Adams, from Wear It Purple’s Youth Action Council, highlights how the theme "Your Passion, Your Pride" serves as an empowering rallying cry for LGBTQIA+ youth. It’s an invitation for them to express their true selves and pursue their dreams with confidence. Adams praises Nicky Tsekouras for not only being a talented artist but also for embodying the spirit of the theme through their community work and personal achievements.

Nicky Tsekouras is celebrated for their contributions to community-building through art, including their impactful workshops and exhibitions. As a previous winner of The Yarra Community Awards ‘City of Yarra Citizen of the Year 2022’, Tsekouras’s work continues to inspire and uplift LGBTQIA+ youth and allies alike.

Get Involved and Make a Difference

Participating in Wear It Purple Day is a meaningful way to show support and make a positive impact. Here’s how you can get involved:

Engage with Schools: Reach out to educational institutions to understand their plans for Wear It Purple Day and how they create supportive environments for LGBTQIA+ students and staff.

Educate Yourself: Visit resources and community partner websites to learn more about LGBTQIA+ issues, including pronouns, coming out, and gender identity.

Attend or Host Events: Participate in or organize panels, keynote events, and other activities that highlight LGBTQIA+ stories and achievements.

Support Employee Networks: Advocate for inclusive practices within workplace pride networks, focusing on topics like pronouns, gender affirmation, and active allyship.

Foster Ongoing Conversations: Extend the impact of Wear It Purple Day by continuing to champion LGBTQIA+ inclusivity in schools and workplaces.

For more information, resources, and ways to support Wear It Purple Day, visit www.wearitpurple.org.

About the Artist

Nicky Tsekouras (They/Him/Her) is a renowned multidisciplinary visual artist and workshop facilitator known for their dedication to fostering creativity and community. Their work, which includes facilitating workshops and curating exhibitions, focuses on identity, expression, and creating safe spaces for young people. Tsekouras’s contributions have been widely recognized, including their role as a previous Yarra Youth Services Artist in Residence and the founder of Zap Exhibitions.

Nicky’s ongoing commitment to supporting and empowering marginalized groups makes them a powerful role model for LGBTQIA+ youth this Wear It Purple Day.

Let’s come together on August 30 to celebrate, support, and uplift LGBTQIA+ youth across Australia. Wear your purple with pride and let’s create a future where everyone can dream big and be their authentic selves.