Wear it Purple Day is about more than a T‑shirt
Today is Wear it Purple Day—when students and staff at high schools and universities are invited to wear purple clothing to recognize and celebrate gender- and sexuality-diverse (GSD) young people. Workplaces are also encouraged to take part.
Wear it Purple Day is an annual event that aims to support and celebrate gender- and sexuality-diverse (GSD) young people, who are becoming increasingly common. In Australia, about 9.5% of 16-24-year-olds identify as GSD, and research suggests this number could be closer to 20% in the 18-24 age group. However, despite efforts to support GSD students, many schools still struggle to create inclusive environments.
A 2026 La Trobe University survey found that only 23% of high school students received education on gender or sexuality diversity in their relationships and sexual health education. School staff often fail to proactively respond to discrimination, and many schools do not have standardized approaches to GSD inclusion in their policies or curriculum.
This lack of support can lead to discrimination, shame, isolation, and higher rates of self-harm and suicide among GSD young people. To better support GSD students, schools should implement a whole-school approach that includes teaching about GSD identities, regular professional development for staff, and policies that recognize and celebrate diversity.
Additionally, providing support pathways and student groups can help students feel more comfortable sharing their identities and reduce distress and improve overall wellbeing.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
