Wear it Purple Day
{{Short description|Australian annual LGBTIQA+ awareness day}}
{{About||the Epilepsy awareness day|Purple Day}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
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| first = {{start date|2010|10|15|df=y}}
| founders = Katherine Hudson and Scott Williams
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| next = 29 August 2025
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| website = {{URL| http://wearitpurple.org/}}
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Wear it Purple Day{{Cite web|url=http://www.wearitpurple.org/|title=Wear it Purple|website=Wear it Purple|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222093203/http://www.wearitpurple.org/|archive-date=2016-12-22|url-status=live}} is an annual LGBTIQA+ awareness day especially for young people, based in Australia. Supporters wear purple to celebrate diversity and young people from the LGBTIQA+ community.
The Day is organised by Wear it Purple, a student run, not-for-profit organisation, providing presentations and workshops.{{Cite web|url=http://education.nswtf.org.au/august-5-2013/features-2/workshops-support-wear-it-purple-day/|title=Workshops to support Wear it Purple Day|website=education.nswtf.org.au|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830003353/http://education.nswtf.org.au/august-5-2013/features-2/workshops-support-wear-it-purple-day/|archive-date=2017-08-30|url-status=live}}
Businesses, councils, schools, community groups and clubs can participate by wearing purple and hosting events.{{Cite web|url=http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/news/national/are-you-ready-for-wear-it-purple-day-18749.html|title=Are you ready for Wear it Purple Day|last=Busby|first=Cec|date=24 August 2015|publisher=Gay News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211223432/http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/news/national/are-you-ready-for-wear-it-purple-day-18749.html|archive-date=11 February 2016|url-status=live}}
History
It is celebrated on the last Friday in August each year in Australia and was launched in 2010.{{Cite news|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/topics/sexuality/agenda/article/2016/08/23/wear-it-purple-support-rainbow-youth-why-we-all-should-take-part|title=Wear it Purple to support rainbow youth: why we all should take part|newspaper=Topics|language=en|access-date=2017-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810091125/http://www.sbs.com.au/topics/sexuality/agenda/article/2016/08/23/wear-it-purple-support-rainbow-youth-why-we-all-should-take-part|archive-date=2017-08-10|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-10-15/campaign-launched-to-support-gay-youth/2299240|title=Campaign launched to support gay youth|date=2010-10-15|newspaper=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030071557/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-10-15/campaign-launched-to-support-gay-youth/2299240|archive-date=2016-10-30|url-status=live}} Previous years have celebrated the day in September or October.{{Cite web|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/new-south-wales-news/wearing-success-with-pride/32847|title=Wearing success with pride - Star Observer|website=www.starobserver.com.au|date=2 November 2010|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-05}} The day was co-founded by Katherine Hudson and Scott Williams,{{Cite news|url=https://www.yourworld.anz.com/global-cultures/katherine-hudson|title=Inspiring locals - Katherine Hudson|language=en|access-date=2017-01-30}} when Hudson was in high school{{Cite news|title=LGBTI activist on show|last=Drapalski|first=Megan|date=6 July 2016|work=Wentworth Courier|via=Factiva}} and Williams was in the first year of university.{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/queer-young-thing/4914376|title=Queer young things wearing purple|last1=Adler|first1=Dylan|date=29 August 2013|work=ABC Life Matters|last2=Ellis|first2=Jayde|access-date=5 February 2017}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.2ser.com/component/k2/item/5010-wear-it-purple-day|title=Wear It Purple Day - 2SER - Real Radio 107.3 FM|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-02-05}} Hudson graduated from Burwood Girls High School in 2011,{{Cite news|title=Purple reigns in Burwood|last=Barr|first=Eliza|date=1 September 2015|work=Inner West Courier|via=Factiva}} which was later a site of controversy due to the Wear it Purple Day events involving screening the film Gayby Baby.
Wear it Purple Day was created in response to the suicide of New Jersey teen Tyler Clementi.{{Cite web|url=http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/feature/wear-it-purple-empowering-rainbow-youth-11770.html|title=Wear it purple: empowering rainbow youth|last=Busby|first=Cec|date=25 August 2013|access-date=5 February 2017|work=Gay News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811191639/http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/feature/wear-it-purple-empowering-rainbow-youth-11770.html|archive-date=11 August 2014|url-status=live}}
= Symbolism =
Hudson states that she "...saw purple as a way of bringing people together from all different backgrounds and creating one thing…a symbol of unity..." Williams found that working with Wear it Purple has given him a more positive perspective.{{Cite news|url=https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/marriage-equality-about-human-dignity|title=Marriage equality is about human dignity|date=2016-09-06|newspaper=Green Left Weekly|language=en|access-date=2017-02-05}}
The first Wear it Purple Day asked participants to wear a purple arm band "...to show support for queer teens at risk."{{Cite journal|last=Hudson|first=Katherine|date=6 October 2010|title=Wear It Purple Day|url=http://honisoit.com/archive/print/2010/1022.pdf|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20140805212500/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/146531/20140806-0725/honisoit.com/archive/print/2010/1022.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-08-05|journal=Honi Soit|volume=Semester 2 Week 10|pages=11|via=Pandora archive}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.lotl.com/Events-Calendar/Wear-It-Purple-Day/|title=Wear It Purple Day|language=en|access-date=2017-02-05}} The day's focus has changed from initially being about sorrow and self-harm prevention, to a celebration of rainbow youth and pride.{{Cite web|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/youth-pledge-suicide-support/60428|title=Youth pledge suicide support|website=Star Observer|date=30 August 2011|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-05}}
Celebrations and support
The first Wear it Purple Day in 2010 was supported by the Federal Minister for Health, the Teachers Federation, Coming Out Australia and RUOK?.{{Cite news|title=In brief|date=20 October 2010|work=Liverpool Leader|via=Factiva}} Members of Parliament from almost all parties attended Wear it Purple Day's inaugural reception. At the reception, Adrian Piccoli (then-Education Minister) mentioned the progress of the pilot Proud Schools program,{{Cite news|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/mps-show-purple-spirit/62118|title=MPs show purple spirit|work=Star Observer|date=14 September 2011|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307151027/http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/mps-show-purple-spirit/62118|archive-date=2018-03-07|url-status=live}} and committed the continuing the program.{{Cite web|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/opinion/purple-and-proud/61463|title=Purple and proud|website=Star Observer|date=12 September 2011|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307022845/http://www.starobserver.com.au/opinion/purple-and-proud/61463|archive-date=2018-03-07|url-status=live}} The Proud Schools program ceased in 2015.{{Cite web|url=http://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/2015/01/15/anti-homophobia-program-will-not-be-extended/|title=Anti-homophobia program will not be extended|website=School Governance|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307023124/http://www.schoolgovernance.net.au/2015/01/15/anti-homophobia-program-will-not-be-extended/|archive-date=2018-03-07|url-status=live}}
Wear it Purple Day received a funding grant in 2012 (as part of Mental Health Week) from the NSW Mental Health Association and ACON.{{Cite news|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/1139.pdf|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20121110130000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/110063/20121111-0000/www.starobserver.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/1139.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-11-10|title=Mental Health Month grants|date=31 August 2012|work=Star Observer|access-date=5 February 2017|via=Pandora archive}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has included a Wear it Purple float in the parade in 2011, 2012,{{Cite web|url=http://pinnaclefoundation.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/wear-it-purple.html|title=Voices of The Pinnacle Foundation: Wear it PURPLE|last=Foundation|first=The Pinnacle|date=2013-05-20|website=Voices of The Pinnacle Foundation|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107021706/http://pinnaclefoundation.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/wear-it-purple.html|archive-date=2017-11-07|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.stevedow.com.au/default.aspx?id=628|title=Kylie's Party Pinnacle|last=Dow|first=Steve|website=www.stevedow.com.au|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107003117/http://www.stevedow.com.au/default.aspx?id=628|archive-date=2017-11-07|url-status=live}} 2013,{{Citation|last=MeowWoofMoo|title=Wear It Purple at Sydney Mardi Gras 2013|date=2013-03-03|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOhN6Ni0EJs|access-date=2017-02-05}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.lotl.com/Web-Articles-2013/Mardi-Gras-Every-float-revealed/|title=Mardi Gras: Every float revealed|last=cecbuzz|language=en|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107025008/http://www.lotl.com/Web-Articles-2013/Mardi-Gras-Every-float-revealed/|archive-date=2017-11-07|url-status=live}} 2016,{{Cite news|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/gyanyankovich/wear-it-purple-at-mardi-gras|title=Here's What Mardi Gras Means To LGBT Teens|newspaper=BuzzFeed|language=en|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161015062938/https://www.buzzfeed.com/gyanyankovich/wear-it-purple-at-mardi-gras|archive-date=2016-10-15|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.mardigras.org.au/2016-parade-float-running-order/|title=2016 Parade Float Running Order - 1st Half|website=Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103173734/http://www.mardigras.org.au/2016-parade-float-running-order|archive-date=2016-11-03|url-status=live}} 2017 and 2018. Both the 2017 and 2018 floats were run in conjunction with the NSW Police Force GLLOs (Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers).{{Cite web|url=http://www.mardigras.org.au/2017-parade-float-running-order/|title=Parade Running Order|website=Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-07-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928060300/http://www.mardigras.org.au/2017-parade-float-running-order/|archive-date=2017-09-28|url-status=dead}} The Australian Pride Network awarded the Wear it Purple stall at Fair Day with Best Fair Day Youth Stall (2014),{{Cite web|url=http://australianpridenetwork.com.au/2014-mardi-gras-award-winners-announced/|title=2014 Mardi Gras Award Winners Announced {{!}} Australian Pride Network|website=Australian Pride Network|date=25 March 2014|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107030258/http://australianpridenetwork.com.au/2014-mardi-gras-award-winners-announced/|archive-date=2017-11-07|url-status=live}} and Best Community stall (2016).{{Cite web|url=http://australianpridenetwork.com.au/2016-sydney-gay-and-lesbian-mardi-gras-awards/|title=2016 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Awards {{!}} Australian Pride Network|website=Australian Pride Network|date=13 April 2016|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305094452/http://australianpridenetwork.com.au/2016-sydney-gay-and-lesbian-mardi-gras-awards/|archive-date=2017-03-05|url-status=live}} In a 2011 interview, co-founder Scott Williams highlighted the importance of Mardi Gras to young people, and for Wear it Purple to participate and bring visibility to young rainbow people.{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/mardi-gras-is-it-still-relevant/3006718|title=Mardi Gras: is it still relevant?|date=2011-02-23|website=Radio National|language=en-AU|access-date=2017-02-05}}
The Department of Health celebrated Wear it Purple Day in 2015 by inviting staff to a forum with guest speakers from headspace, Safe Schools Coalition ACT, and ACT Sexual Health and Family Planning.{{Cite web|url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22publications%2Ftabledpapers%2F57a24d9c-4917-4ac6-b33d-313a3a0f0792%22|title=Department of Health Annual Report for 2015-16|publisher=Department of Health|access-date=5 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422073002/http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id:%22publications/tabledpapers/57a24d9c-4917-4ac6-b33d-313a3a0f0792%22|archive-date=22 April 2017|url-status=live}}
The council, City of Sydney has used purple lighting to illuminate town hall to demonstrate their support for the day in 2016.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sydneymedia.com.au/purple-town-hall-embraces-sydneys-diversity/|title=Purple town hall embraces Sydney's diversity - The City of Sydney Media Centre|website=Sydney Media|language=en|access-date=2017-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325132843/http://www.sydneymedia.com.au/purple-town-hall-embraces-sydneys-diversity/|archive-date=2017-03-25|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.lotl.com/Events-Calendar/Sydney-Town-Hall-Embraces-Diversity-On-Wear-It-Purple-Day--1378/|title=Sydney Town Hall Embraces Diversity On Wear It Purple Day|last=Staff|first=LOTL|language=en|access-date=2017-02-05}}{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
File:Queensland Police Service - Pride Patch for Wear It Purple Day, 2018.jpg
Police have shown their support by wearing purple uniforms while patrolling in the community in Tamworth,{{Cite news|url=http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/4123903/local-police-raise-awareness/|title=Local police raise awareness|last=Sheridan|first=Haley|date=2016-08-26|newspaper=The Northern Daily Leader|language=en|access-date=2017-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827183401/http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/4123903/local-police-raise-awareness/|archive-date=2016-08-27|url-status=live}} Queensland{{Cite news|url=http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/rocky-police-don-purple-to-support-lgbti-community/3082639/|title=Rocky police don purple to support LGBTI community|newspaper=Rockhampton Morning Bulletin|language=en|access-date=2017-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160831065519/http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/rocky-police-don-purple-to-support-lgbti-community/3082639/|archive-date=2016-08-31|url-status=live}} and Southwest Sydney in 2016.{{Cite news|title=Officers go purple for cause - Street Watch|date=31 August 2016|work=Central Sydney|via=Factiva}} Queensland Police Service officers wore purple bootlaces for the day in 2015.{{Cite news|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/queensland-news/qld-policeman-apologises-for-homophobic-treatment-of-fellow-officer-as-new-lgbti-network-established/145754.html|title=Qld policeman apologises for homophobic treatment of fellow officer as new LGBTI network established|date=2015|work=Star Observer|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20161114003100/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/110063/20161114-1131/www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/queensland-news/qld-policeman-apologises-for-homophobic-treatment-of-fellow-officer-as-new-lgbti-network-established/145754.html|archive-date=2016-11-14|url-status=dead|access-date=5 February 2017|via=Pandora archive}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Police in NSW have participated in Wear it Purple Day since 2012, through school visits and presentations, community activities and on social media.{{Cite news|title=Wear it purple preview|date=18 August 2015|work=Daily Liberal|via=Factiva}}{{Cite news|title=Police campaign to help tackle bullying|date=22 August 2014|work=Dubbo Daily Liberal|via=Factiva}} Police Transport Command officers in Sydney celebrated Wear it Purple Day in 2014 by wearing purple wristbands and decorating their command buses.{{Cite news|title=Purple patch for sex police|date=29 August 2014|work=mX Sydney|via=Factiva}} NSW Police began participating because of their concerns over youth suicide rates and to highlight that police are part of the community,{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/4107294/wearing-purple-with-pride/|title=Wearing purple with pride|last=Hoar|first=Jennifer|date=2016-08-19|newspaper=Daily Liberal|language=en|access-date=2017-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010174535/http://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/4107294/wearing-purple-with-pride/|archive-date=2016-10-10|url-status=live}} and their role in preventing homophobic and transphobic bullying and crime.{{Cite news|url=http://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/4105209/local-police-turn-purple/|title=Local police turn purple|last=Koutsoufis|first=Andrew|date=2016-08-18|newspaper=Goulburn Post|language=en|access-date=2017-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008092410/http://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/4105209/local-police-turn-purple/|archive-date=2016-10-08|url-status=live}} Other emergency sector organisations supporting Wear it Purple Day include Queensland Ambulance Service (2015),{{Cite news|title=#WearItPurple: Australians support diversity on day of acceptance|date=28 August 2015|work=ABC News|via=Factiva}} and in 2014; NSW Emergency Service, the Ambulance Services of NSW, Fire and Rescue NSW, the NSW Rural Fire Service and the Australian Federal Police.{{Cite news|title=Maitland residents are encouraged to wear purple on...|date=27 August 2014|work=Maitland Mercury|via=Factiva}} Defence staff have also participated, with encouragement from Defence Gay and Lesbian Information Service (DEFGLIS).{{Cite news|url=https://www.defglis.com.au/index.php/news/10-30-aug-wear-it-purple-day|title=30 Aug - Wear it Purple Day|last=Chong|first=Vince|newspaper=DEFGLIS|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328041454/https://defglis.com.au/index.php/news/10-30-aug-wear-it-purple-day|archive-date=2017-03-28|url-status=live}} The Navy's Systems Training School at HMAS Watson hosted events for Wear it Purple Day in 2013.{{Cite news|title=Members of Systems Training School at HMAS Watson celebrate diversity|date=4 September 2013|work=Australian Government News|via=Factiva}}
There has also been strong support from the banking sector, including screenings for employees of Westpac, Macquarie Bank and NAB.{{Cite news|title=Baird sees red over gay family film|last=Winestock|first=Geoff|date=29 August 2015|work=The Australian Financial Review|via=Factiva}} Telstra provided support for the Day in 2014 with resource packs on cyber-bullying for all registered schools in Australia.{{Cite news|title=Purple haze to support fairness|date=27 August 2014|work=Coffs Coast Advocate|via=Factiva}}{{Cite web|url=https://exchange.telstra.com.au/2014/08/26/wear-it-purple-day/|title=Wear it Purple Day|last=Wildberger|first=Karsten|date=2014-08-26|website=Telstra Exchange|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326045828/http://exchange.telstra.com.au/2014/08/26/wear-it-purple-day/|archive-date=2016-03-26|url-status=live}}
Other organisations and businesses have hosted purple-themed events including dress-up photo booths and rainbow zinc face-painting,{{Cite news|url=http://www.youngwitness.com.au/story/2533567/the-day-young-turned-purple-for-the-gay-community/|title=The day Young turned purple for the gay community|last=Media|first=Australian Community Media - Fairfax|date=2014-09-03|newspaper=The Young Witness|language=en|access-date=2017-02-05}} exhibitions with music, art and workshops,{{Cite web|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/features/community-spotlight/wear-it-purple-for-idaho/52315|title=Wear it purple for IDAHO - Star Observer|website=Star Observer|date=20 May 2011|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-05}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.altmedia.net.au/wear-it-purple-hits-sydney/36176|title=Wear it Purple hits Sydney|website=Altmedia|language=en-AU|access-date=2017-02-05}}{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} and an Instagram Scavenger Hunt.{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/wearitpurple/photos/gm.1404323966451678/679053975457117/|title=Wear it Purple - Our Wear it Purple Instagram Scavenger... {{!}} Facebook|website=Facebook|language=en|access-date=2017-02-05}}
Morning teas have included purple cupcake stalls{{Cite news|url=http://www.hawkesburygazette.com.au/story/4135161/students-donned-purple-for-lgbtiq-support/10045718/|title=Students donned purple for LGBTIQ support|last=Falson|first=Sarah|date=2016-09-01|newspaper=Hawkesbury Gazette|language=en|access-date=2017-01-30}} and purple-inspired food creations in bake-offs.{{Cite web|url=https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/albany/wear-it-purple-bake-off/|title=Wear it Purple: BAKE OFF|website=Headspace|language=en-AU|access-date=2017-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220192116/https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/albany/wear-it-purple-bake-off/|archive-date=2017-02-20|url-status=live}} Northholm Grammar School hosted a fundraising poetry slam for Wear it Purple Day in 2015.{{Cite news|url=http://www.hillsnews.com.au/story/3353406/poetry-in-motion-created/|title=Poetry in motion created|last=Brown|first=Andrew|date=2015-09-16|newspaper=Hills News|language=en|access-date=2017-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107075922/http://www.hillsnews.com.au/story/3353406/poetry-in-motion-created/|archive-date=2016-01-07|url-status=live}}
Wear it Purple Day has also been celebrated beyond Australia. In 2013 the Gay, Transgender, Lesbian, Bisexual (GTLB) Diversity Project and Youth Alley hosted celebrations in Timaru (New Zealand).{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/9109853/Purple-patch-for-new-gay-group|title=Purple patch for new gay group|website=Stuff|date=30 August 2013|access-date=2017-07-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216032125/http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/9109853/Purple-patch-for-new-gay-group|archive-date=2018-12-16|url-status=live}}
The 2015 Wear it Purple Day was highlighted by the Andrews Labor government, who marked the day by announcing a round of small grants to support LGBTI young people.{{Cite news|url=http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/wear-it-purple-day-grants-open-for-lgbti-youth-projects/|title=Wear It Purple Day - Grants Open For LGBTI Youth Projects|date=2015-08-28|newspaper=Premier of Victoria|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330150503/http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/wear-it-purple-day-grants-open-for-lgbti-youth-projects/|archive-date=2016-03-30|url-status=live}}
In 2018, residents of Hepburn House aged care facility in Daylesford, showed their support for young queer people by celebrating the day with students from Daylesford Secondary College.{{Cite news|url=https://www.hepburnadvocate.com.au/story/5621792/a-flash-of-purple-for-a-good-cause/|title=A flash of purple for a good cause|last=Elg|first=Hayley|date=2018-09-04|website=The Advocate - Hepburn|language=en|access-date=2019-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906132056/https://www.hepburnadvocate.com.au/story/5621792/a-flash-of-purple-for-a-good-cause/|archive-date=2018-09-06|url-status=live}}
Widespread use of hashtags #wearitpurple and #beproudofwhoyouare included selfies, personal stories and event documentation to demonstrate support and increase visibility.
Recognition and awards
= Recognition =
Wear it Purple Day was highlighted as a successful grassroots campaign at the National Safe Schools Symposium in 2012.{{Cite news|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/1147.pdf|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20121110130000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/110063/20121111-0000/www.starobserver.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/1147.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-11-10|title=Students push for safer schools|last=Dorrington|first=Benn|date=26 October 2012|work=Star Observer|access-date=5 February 2017|via=Pandora archive}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
The Western Australia Equal Opportunity Commission (WAEOC) celebrated Wear it Purple Day in 2014 by releasing online guidelines: Supporting Sexual and Gender Diversity in Schools.{{Cite web|url=http://www.eoc.wa.gov.au/community-projects/safe-schools-wa/news/2014/10/10/eoc-media-release-guidelines-for-supporting-sexual-and-gender-diversity-in-schools-released|title=Guidelines support sexual and gender diversity in schools|website=www.eoc.wa.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218090856/http://www.eoc.wa.gov.au/community-projects/safe-schools-wa/news/2014/10/10/eoc-media-release-guidelines-for-supporting-sexual-and-gender-diversity-in-schools-released|archive-date=2017-02-18|url-status=live}} The guidelines focus on assisting students who experience homophobic bullying.{{Cite news|title=Guide to help schools with gay issues|last=Egan|first=Colleen|date=29 August 2014|work=The West Australian|via=Factiva}} For Wear it Purple Day in 2016, WAEOC promoted its participation in the ALLY program, which supports increasing understanding of diversity.{{Cite web|url=http://www.eoc.wa.gov.au/mediacentre/eoc-in-the-news/2016/08/22/wear-it-purple-day|title=Wear It Purple Day|website=www.eoc.wa.gov.au|language=en|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218090233/http://www.eoc.wa.gov.au/mediacentre/eoc-in-the-news/2016/08/22/wear-it-purple-day|archive-date=2017-02-18|url-status=live}}
In 2016, co-founder Hudson received recognition for her LGBTI advocacy by featuring in a mural by street artist Kaff-eine in ANZ's Street Art Project.{{Cite news|url=http://www.art-almanac.com.au/anz-street-art-project/|title=ANZ Street Art Project {{!}} Art Almanac|newspaper=Art Almanac|access-date=2017-01-30|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309220902/http://www.art-almanac.com.au/anz-street-art-project/|archive-date=2017-03-09|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.lotl.com/Culture/Street-Portraits-Celebrate-Sydneys-Inspiring-Locals-1286/|title=Street Portraits Celebrate Sydney's Inspiring Locals|last=Davis|first=Annalese|access-date=2017-02-05|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829202643/http://www.lotl.com/Culture/Street-Portraits-Celebrate-Sydneys-Inspiring-Locals-1286/|archive-date=2017-08-29|url-status=live}}
== Celebrity recognition ==
Madonna mentioned the Wear it Purple campaign in 2011.{{Cite news|title=Wear it purple, people|date=30 August 2011|work=Sunshine Coast Daily|via=Factiva}}
== Parliamentary recognition ==
Minister Matt Kean highlighted Wear it Purple Day in his inaugural speech to Parliament in 2011.{{Cite news|url=http://mattkean.com.au/news/wear-it-purple-day|title=Wear It Purple Day|date=2011-09-08|newspaper=Matt Kean MP|access-date=2017-02-05|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226152545/http://mattkean.com.au/news/wear-it-purple-day|archive-date=2017-02-26|url-status=live}}
Penny Sharpe submitted a motion to the NSW Upper House of Parliament in 2012, for the group's achievements to be acknowledged.{{Cite web|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/painting-the-town-purple/84297|title=Painting the town purple - Star Observer|website=Star Observer|date=6 September 2012|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829203015/http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/painting-the-town-purple/84297|archive-date=2017-08-29|url-status=live}}
Wear it Purple Day 2014 was acknowledged by the Australian Senate in a motion submitted by Senator Sarah Hanson-Young.{{Cite web|url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;db=CHAMBER;id=chamber/journals/145a8c90-32cd-4c14-a708-b00f0aeda989/0021;page=0;query=%22wear%20it%20purple%22;rec=0;resCount=Default|title=SJ No. 48 - 28 August 2014: Social Issues—Sexuality and Gender Identity—Wear it Purple Day|website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au|language=en-US|access-date=2017-07-02}}{{Cite web|url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id:%22media/pressrel/3368977%22|title=ParlInfo - Senate supports fight against LGBTI bullying|website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au|language=en-US|access-date=2017-07-02}}
= Awards =
A student at Victor Harbor High School, Gemma Cole, helped to run Wear It Purple Day at her school in 2011, and then received the 2011 Lions Club Citizenship Award at her graduation in 2011.{{Cite news|url=http://www.victorharbortimes.com.au/story/264295/wear-it-purple-to-support-gay-teens/|title=Wear it Purple to support gay teens|last=Media|first=Australian Community Media - Fairfax|date=2012-08-20|work=The Times|access-date=2017-07-02|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829205114/http://www.victorharbortimes.com.au/story/264295/wear-it-purple-to-support-gay-teens/|archive-date=2017-08-29|url-status=live}}
NSW’s LGBTI community awarded co-founders Katherine and Scott with the Young Achiever Award at the 2013 Honour Awards.{{Cite web|url=http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/feature/wear-it-purple-how-an-idea-to-empower-lgbti-youth-turned-into-a-global-movement-18699.html|title=Wear It Purple: how an idea to empower LGBTI youth turned into a global movement|last=Bennett|first=Lachlan|date=19 August 2015|website=Gay News Network|access-date=31 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211223024/http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/feature/wear-it-purple-how-an-idea-to-empower-lgbti-youth-turned-into-a-global-movement-18699.html|archive-date=11 February 2016|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/RainbowLaborNSW/posts/1290531034314606|title=Happy Wear it Purple Day. How proud are... - Rainbow Labor NSW {{!}} Facebook|website=Facebook|language=en|access-date=2017-02-05}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.samesame.com.au/news/10254/Heres-our-eight-community-heroes|title=Here's our eight community heroes|last=Akersten|first=Matt|date=20 September 2013|work=SameSame|access-date=6 February 2017}}
Jayde Ellis, 2013 spokesperson{{Cite web|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/new-south-wales-news/purple-pride-for-rainbow-youth/108646|title=Purple pride for rainbow youth - Star Observer|website=Star Observer|date=28 August 2013|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909185612/http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/new-south-wales-news/purple-pride-for-rainbow-youth/108646|archive-date=2017-09-09|url-status=live}} of Wear it Purple Day, received a Safer Communities Award in the 2014 National Youth Awards.{{Cite web|url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22media%2Fpressrel%2F3294729%22|title=Outstanding young Australians recognised in 2014 National Youth Awards|date=10 April 2014|website=Parliament of Australia official site|publisher=Parliament of Australia|access-date=5 February 2017}}
Teacher Alex Stefan of Colo High School in the Hawkesbury, was nominated for a 2017 Honour Award for starting the first LGBTI group at the school and promoting school-wide celebrations of Wear it Purple Day.{{Cite news|url=http://www.medianet.com.au/releases/143097/|title=Honour Awards Finalists Highlight LGBTI Community's Strength And Resilience|work=AAP Medianet|access-date=2018-03-05|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306023039/http://www.medianet.com.au/releases/143097/|archive-date=2018-03-06|url-status=live}}
Opposition and criticism
= 2023 =
== Australian Defence Force Academy complaints ==
In 2023, students at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) complained that they felt pressured to participate in Wear It Purple Day. A spokesperson noted that Defence personnel voluntarily participate in a range of diversity events.{{Cite news |last=Greene |first=Andrew |date=2023-08-26 |title=ADF Academy cadets claim they were pressured to remove uniforms for Wear It Purple Day |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-27/adf-academy-cadets-claim-they-were-pressured-to-remove-uniforms/102780562 |access-date=2025-01-24 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}
= 2020 =
== Gender fluidity materials ==
In 2020, Mark Latham stated that Wear It Purple Day distributed information which sexualised children. The information about tucking and other topics was from third party websites and the NSW Department of Education stated that these references were uploaded to the teachers' resource hub (education portal) without permission and had been removed.{{Cite news|last=Fitzsimmons|first=Caitlin|date=25 October 2020|title=Latham stirs transgender debate with education bill|page=37|work=The Sun Herald}}{{Cite news|last=O'Doherty|first=James|date=10 September 2020|title=Probe into 'Safe Schools' material|page=7|work=The Daily Telegraph}}
= 2018 =
== Rainbow flag negative response ==
In 2018, students in Castlemaine Secondary College's Diversity group raised a rainbow flag on the school grounds, alongside Wear It Purple Day, in support of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). Some students loudly expressed their opposition to the flying of the flag on the pole normally used for the Australian flag. In the time since, the school has begun to fly the rainbow flag each day, but it has been subject to vandalism.{{Cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-15/project-to-raise-rainbow-flags-across-victrorian-schools/10815988|title=Plan to raise rainbow flags across Victoria|last=Romensky|first=Larissa|date=2019-02-15|website=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=2019-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190324064655/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-15/project-to-raise-rainbow-flags-across-victrorian-schools/10815988|archive-date=2019-03-24|url-status=live}}
= 2017 =
== Opposition in businesses and schools ==
In March 2017, Liberal Senator Eric Abetz complained that the Department of Finance was "reverse bullying", by pressuring staff into participating in Wear it Purple Day.{{Cite news|url=https://www.crikey.com.au/2017/03/02/devine-joins-abetz-in-his-war-on-the-rainbow-flag/|title=Miranda Devine joins Eric Abetz in his war on the rainbow flag - Crikey|date=2017-03-02|work=Crikey|access-date=2017-09-18|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302235630/https://www.crikey.com.au/2017/03/02/devine-joins-abetz-in-his-war-on-the-rainbow-flag/|archive-date=2017-03-02|url-status=live}}
In an August 2017 commentary piece in The Australian, Kevin Donnelly (Senior Research Fellow{{Cite web|url=https://theconversation.com/profiles/kevin-donnelly-118593|title=Kevin Donnelly|website=The Conversation|date=3 March 2014 |language=en|access-date=2017-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925183758/http://theconversation.com/profiles/kevin-donnelly-118593|archive-date=2017-09-25|url-status=live}} at the Australian Catholic University) opposed the Australian Education Union's promotion of Wear it Purple Day. He stated that the campaign was evidence of the "cultural left" dominating the education system.{{Cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/opinion/wear-it-purple-day-and-other-culturalleft-moves-sending-us-puce/news-story/7c3252539f51320173ef3ab78aa38718|title=Wear it Purple Day and other cultural-left moves sending us puce|last=Donnelly|first=Kevin|date=21 August 2017|work=The Australian|access-date=19 September 2017}} Donnelly had previously noted similar views about the cultural left in a March 2017 opinion piece in the Daily Telegraph. His discussion of identity politics stated that the "LGBTQ agenda" [sic] dominates the education system through activities such as school celebrations of the "national Wear it Purple campaign" [sic].{{Cite news|title=Twisting the tale to suit cultural left's agenda|last=Donnelly|first=Kevin|date=9 March 2017|work=Daily Telegraph|page=22}}
Miranda Devine has written that Christian employees of organisations which have signed up to the marriage equality campaign, now feel frightened and intimidated at work. Devine claimed that a Telstra employee was re-sent a "mandatory" Wear it Purple event invitation multiple times by executive staff.{{Cite news|title=The pink mafia silences dissent|last=Devine|first=Miranda|date=22 March 2017|work=Daily Telegraph|page=13}}
== Alleged "rainbow hijacking" ==
In 2017, parents at Kambala School complained about posters promoting a "Wear it Rainbow" event linked with Wear it Purple Day. It was reported in the Australian that the school was being subjected to "rainbow hijacking" [sic]. The posters were removed because they were not authorised by the school's management, but principal Shane Hogan advised the media that the school would still celebrate the day itself.{{Cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/sydneys-kambala-school-saves-purple-day-from-rainbow-hijacking/news-story/2b3fb3eb63a2ade1bc377f1bb8c815b0|title=Sydney's Kambala School Saves Purple Day from Rainbow Hijacking|website=www.theaustralian.com.au|access-date=2017-08-24}} Angela Priestley's reply to the "rainbow hijacking" article noted that the posters were installed by students, and that the concerned parents should have approached the school's principal.{{Cite news|url=https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/a-note-to-the-school-girls-involved-in-the-rainbow-hijacking/|title=A note to the school girls involved in the 'rainbow hijacking'|date=2017-08-22|work=Women's Agenda|access-date=2017-08-24|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824094622/https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/a-note-to-the-school-girls-involved-in-the-rainbow-hijacking/|archive-date=2017-08-24|url-status=live}}
During an August 2017 interview on 2GB radio with Ray Hadley, NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes noted that school principals had been notified to take care around diversity issues (including Wear it Purple Day) in the context of the marriage equality plebiscite.{{Cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/wear-it-purple-day-dissenters-must-not-feel-ostracised/news-story/a58acfed783086372f91ec782bf2e6a3|title=Wear it Purple Day dissenters 'must not feel ostracised'|website=www.theaustralian.com.au|access-date=2017-08-24}}
= 2016 =
== Rainbow noose meme ==
The Marriage Alliance group created a "rainbow noose" for campaign material against marriage equality, in February 2016. The advertisement depicted a rainbow noose around a praying woman's neck with the tagline "Same sex marriage increases PC bullying in the workplace".{{Cite news|title=Archbishop Anthony Fisher hits out at Penny Wong over marriage equality speech|last=Karp|first=Paul|date=1 July 2016|work=The Guardian}} Marriage Alliance spokesperson Sophie York told Four Corners that the meme was inspired by a "workplace incident" of a man's concern about receiving an email about his workplace's participation in "Wear Purple day" [sic].{{Cite news|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/this-rainbow-noose-meme-is-where-the-no-campaign-draws-the-l|title=Rainbow Noose Meme "Probably Too Dramatic", Says Anti-Marriage Equality Campaigner|newspaper=BuzzFeed|language=en|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107211112/https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/this-rainbow-noose-meme-is-where-the-no-campaign-draws-the-l|archive-date=2016-11-07|url-status=live}} The advertisement was later banned by the Advertising Standards Bureau.{{Cite news|url=https://mumbrella.com.au/asb-marriage-alliance-woman-rainbow-noose-358824|title=Ad watchdog bans Marriage Alliance Twitter post featuring woman with rainbow noose - Mumbrella|date=2016-04-09|newspaper=Mumbrella|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831222333/https://mumbrella.com.au/asb-marriage-alliance-woman-rainbow-noose-358824|archive-date=2017-08-31|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/anger-erupts-over-marriage-alliance-rainbow-noose-advert/news-story/1da6eabc9ef16a5aa4c35fbe9394fb83|title=Backlash over rainbow noose ad|work=NewsComAu|access-date=2017-07-04|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830145043/http://www.news.com.au/national/anger-erupts-over-marriage-alliance-rainbow-noose-advert/news-story/1da6eabc9ef16a5aa4c35fbe9394fb83|archive-date=2017-08-30|url-status=live}} The group was condemned for their rainbow noose meme by Tim Watts in Federal Parliament on 4 February 2016.{{Cite web|url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id:%22chamber/hansardr/aaec4b82-2411-445e-9df4-a787c30c60c2/0221%22|title=ParlInfo - Federation Chamber : CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS : Marriage|website=parlinfo.aph.gov.au|language=en-US|access-date=2017-07-04}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.outinperth.com/marriage-alliance-criticised-for-rainbow-noose-imagery/|title=Marriage Alliance criticised for rainbow noose imagery {{!}} OUTInPerth – Gay and Lesbian News and Culture|website=www.outinperth.com|date=4 February 2016|access-date=2017-07-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831220436/http://www.outinperth.com/marriage-alliance-criticised-for-rainbow-noose-imagery/|archive-date=2017-08-31|url-status=live}}
= 2015 =
== Safe Schools Program ==
{{Main|Safe Schools Coalition Australia}}
The NSW Teachers Federation supports Wear it Purple Day,{{Cite news|url=https://www.nswtf.org.au/pages/wear-it-purple-day.html-2|title=Wear It Purple Day|date=2016-08-05|newspaper=NSW Teachers Federation|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824133509/https://www.nswtf.org.au/pages/wear-it-purple-day.html-2|archive-date=2017-08-24|url-status=live}} but during 2015, some schools received criticism in the face of celebrating Wear it Purple Day.{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/gay-push-should-be-kept-out-of-schools/news-story/3178cb4caddcb8a577a08723631236d8|title=Gay push should be kept out of schools|date=2015-08-25|newspaper=Daily Telegraph|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-30}} Cheltenham Girls’ High School principal Susan Bridge received letters from parents about their disagreement with the introduction of the overarching national framework of Safe Schools, which included "... theme days at the school such as Wear it Purple Day...".{{Cite news|title=Backlash at Safe Schools|last=Deare|first=Steven|date=27 July 2016|work=Northern District Times|via=Factiva}} Miranda Devine alleged that the celebration of Wear it Purple Day at Cheltenham Girls' High School caused "...some students... [to] ... feel marginalised and excluded if they do not embrace the ideology",{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/miranda-devine-tolerance-taking-its-toll/news-story/5a7ca5779916c3c80db53db2c0b0db17|title=Tolerance taking its toll|last=Devine|first=Miranda|date=19 July 2016|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=31 January 2017|via=Factiva}}{{Cite journal|last=Payne|first=Kaley|date=23 April 2016|title=The gender agenda: When schools make Christian kids feel like the enemy|journal=News Weekly|volume=2970|pages=8|via=Informit}} with MP Damien Tudehope adding that students are "ostracised" if they do not support "Purple Day" [sic]. David Phillips, then-National Director of FamilyVoice Australia, gave evidence to the Australian Parliament's Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee, that students were vilified and bullied if they upheld the traditional definition of marriage and chose not to participate in Wear it Purple Day.{{Cite web|url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;db=COMMITTEES;id=committees%2Fcommsen%2Ff023a43e-4e8c-4207-a154-2045cbc94da3%2F0000;page=0;query=%22wear%20it%20purple%22;rec=8;resCount=Default|title=Popular vote on marriage in Australia|last=Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee: Senate Committee|date=10 September 2015|website=Parliament of Australia information|publisher=Australian Parliament|access-date=5 February 2017}}
In the time since the ban, some school leaders have supported Wear it Purple Day, but shied away from having their school featured in a press release about the event.{{Cite book|last1=Pearce|first1=Jane|last2=Gardiner|first2=Veronica|date=June 2016|title=Supporting gender and sexual diversity in high schools: building conversations for LGBTQI human rights in the English classroom|url=http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/32105/1/supporting%20gender%20and%20sexual%20diversity%20in%20high%20schools.pdf|publisher=Murdoch University Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre|pages=4|isbn=978-1-921877-16-2|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920170820/http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/32105/1/supporting%20gender%20and%20sexual%20diversity%20in%20high%20schools.pdf|archive-date=2018-09-20|url-status=live}}
Sydney University law professor, Patrick Parkinson's paper on the Safe Schools Program (profiled in an article in The Australian{{Cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/gender-theory-a-matter-offaith-says-family-law-expert/news-story/817cd44416aceb437d98de9655bc4e3e|title=Gender theory a matter of faith', says family law expert|last=Urban|first=Rebecca|date=19 September 2016|website=The Australian|access-date=31 January 2017}}) alleged that children with "traditional values" could be "bullied or marginalised" for their reaction to Wear it Purple Day (using the day as an example of a related event within the context of the Safe Schools Program).Parkinson, Patrick (2016-09-14). "The Controversy over the Safe Schools Program – Finding the Sensible Centre". Rochester, NY, p. 30.[https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/Papers.cfm?abstract_id=2839084] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170506205505/https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2839084|date=2017-05-06}} In Josh Taylor's article response, he noted that while Parkinson's view was that "...children from religious households could be bullied for not supporting anti-bullying programs like ... Wear it Purple Day" and that Parkinson had "a long history of work on the conservative side of the debate".{{Cite web|url=https://www.crikey.com.au/2016/09/19/professor-against-safe-schools-tied-to-australian-christian-lobby/|title=Australian newspaper's Safe Schools expert worked for ACL|date=2016-09-19|website=Crikey|access-date=2017-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427100300/https://www.crikey.com.au/2016/09/19/professor-against-safe-schools-tied-to-australian-christian-lobby/|archive-date=2017-04-27|url-status=live}} In an opinion piece on the Teachers' Christian Fellowship of NSW site, John Gore has suggested that a Christian response would be for schools to redraft their existing school anti-bullying programs and incorporate LGBT issues in school curricula and library resources.{{Cite web|url=http://www.tcfofnsw.org.au/htmarticles/LGBT.html|title=The challenges of LGBT students|last=McKay|first=Colin|website=www.tcfofnsw.org.au|language=en-au|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219000228/http://www.tcfofnsw.org.au/htmarticles/LGBT.html|archive-date=2017-02-19|url-status=live}}
Wear it Purple Day co-founder Katherine Hudson debated with Fred Nile on ABC’s special episode of Q&A (18 June 2015{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/qanda/txt/s4254204.htm|title=Q&A Special: Between a Frock and a Hard Place {{!}} Q&A {{!}} ABC TV|website=ABC Australia|date=18 June 2015|language=en-au|access-date=2017-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513094405/http://www.abc.net.au/tv/qanda/txt/s4254204.htm|archive-date=2017-05-13|url-status=live}}) about homosexual law reform and the Safe Schools Program.{{Cite news|url=http://www.samesame.com.au/news/12436/What-happened-when-QA-went-LGBTIQA|title=What happened when Q&A went LGBTIQ&A|last=Akersten|first=Matt|date=19 June 2015|work=Same Same|access-date=31 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414123220/http://www.samesame.com.au/news/12436/What-happened-when-QA-went-LGBTIQA|archive-date=14 April 2016|url-status=live}}
== Gayby Baby film ==
{{Main|Gayby Baby}}
Film director Maya Newell offered Gayby Baby to be screened in schools ahead of the film's official release for Wear it Purple Day 2015.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/dec/30/maya-newell-2015-gayby-baby-we-learned-some-things-need-to-get-ugly-for-change|title=Maya Newell on 2015 and Gayby Baby: 'We learned some things need to get ugly for change'|last=Tan|first=Monica|date=2015-12-29|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2017-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162712/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/dec/30/maya-newell-2015-gayby-baby-we-learned-some-things-need-to-get-ugly-for-change|archive-date=2016-08-12|url-status=live}} Producer Charlotte Mars noted that the hybrid-cinema release and school screenings linked with their faith that Australian independent films can make a lasting impact.{{Cite news|title=Short cuts|last=Maddox|first=Garry|date=6 August 2015|work=The Age|via=Factiva}}
Newell presented an event about the film at her alumnus, Burwood Girls' High School (also attended by co-founder of Wear it Purple Day, Katherine Hudson). Up to 50 Australian schools including 20 in New South Wales had organised a simultaneous broadcast of the film on Wear it Purple Day.{{Cite news|title=Schools hit with film ban|last=Bagshaw|first=Eryk|date=27 August 2015|work=Newcastle Herald|via=Factiva}}
However, the film received a NSW statewide ban by Education Minister Adrian Piccoli, even though he had not viewed it.{{Cite news|title=Baird, Piccoli cut same sex movie without watching it|last=Bagshaw|first=Eryk|date=28 August 2015|work=Sydney Morning Herald|via=Factiva}} The decision to ban screenings was condemned and labelled as "cruel rubbish" by Daniel Andrews{{Cite news|title=Daniel Andrews attacks NSW government over Gayby Baby 'rubbish'|last=Safi|first=Michael|date=27 August 2015|work=The Guardian|via=Factiva}} (Victorian State Premier). Tim Wilson (then an Australian Human Rights Commissioner) said that while "Wearing a colour one day a year probably seems trite. But, for the students privately dealing with issues around their sexual orientation or gender identity, it is a beacon of hope. Without a word being mentioned it sends a clear message that there are people who support you".{{Cite news|title=Gays and parents both have rights|last=Wilson|first=Tim|date=27 August 2015|work=Daily Telegraph|via=Factiva}}
The film's ban resulted in extensive news coverage and protests to the government.{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/gayby-baby-formal-protests-over-school-screening-had-reached-mike-bairds-office/news-story/d649eb89fe247da6f38eefcdd21305d1|title=Gayby Baby formal protests over school screening had reached Mike Baird's office|date=4 November 2015|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=31 January 2017}} Greens Member for Newtown Jenny Leong said that the positive initiative of the film screening should not be blocked, and suggested the ban was in response to the headlines in the Daily Telegraph.{{Cite news|url=http://www.lotl.com/News/Greens-slam-Piccolis-Gayby-Baby-ban-593/|title=Greens slam Piccoli's 'Gayby Baby' ban|language=en|access-date=2017-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313121255/http://www.lotl.com/News/Greens-slam-Piccolis-Gayby-Baby-ban-593/|archive-date=2017-03-13|url-status=live}} Trevor Khan countered that rather than being a ban of the film, it was an "opt-out arrangement" with the option to screen the film during non-lesson times.{{Cite news|title=A "ban" on the showing in NSW public schools of a documentary|date=28 August 2015|work=Northern Daily Leader|via=Factiva}} Wear it Purple Day co-founder Katherine Hudson told ABC radio that although the Wear it Purple Day campaign had received support from the Government over the years, that in a sense, the ban delegitimized the Day.{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-08-27/blocking-film-about-same-sex-parents-shows/6728056|title=Blocking film about same-sex parents shows intolerance|last=Edwards|first=Michael|date=27 August 2015|website=ABC Australia|publisher=ABC|access-date=5 February 2017}}
The Prefects of Burwood Girls' High School issued a statement on their Facebook page reiterating their dismay at the media coverage, and their support for equality and acceptance for all people.{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/inner-west/burwood-girls-high-school-prefects-penny-sharpe-and-jodi-mckay-respond-to-gayby-baby-backlash/news-story/2bcff8761472c9565fa0c6702f592f71?sv=7885adad42a006899d6a8058bf498821|title=Burwood Girls High School prefects, Penny Sharpe and Jodi McKay respond to Gayby Baby backlash|last=Barr|first=Eliza|date=28 August 2015|work=Inner West Courier|access-date=5 February 2017|via=Factiva|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829075958/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/inner-west/burwood-girls-high-school-prefects-penny-sharpe-and-jodi-mckay-respond-to-gayby-baby-backlash/news-story/2bcff8761472c9565fa0c6702f592f71?sv=7885adad42a006899d6a8058bf498821|archive-date=29 August 2017|url-status=live}} At the original planned time of the film's screening, Burwood Girls' students continued with usual school subjects, but protested by wearing purple pom-poms in their hair.{{Cite news|title=Purple rain: true colours shine after ban|last=Bagshaw|first=Eryk|date=29 August 2015|work=Sydney Morning Herald|via=Factiva}}
Mike Baird (New South Wales State Premier) stated that the ban was not about the film's content, but focused on Burwood Girls High School using classtime to show the film for Wear it Purple Day.{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-03/mike-baird-very-distressed-over-gayby-baby-furore/6747650|title=Mike Baird 'very distressed' over Gayby Baby furore|date=2015-09-03|newspaper=ABC News|language=en-AU|access-date=2017-02-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518035228/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-03/mike-baird-very-distressed-over-gayby-baby-furore/6747650|archive-date=2017-05-18|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Schools barred from showing gay film|date=28 August 2015|work=China Daily|via=Factiva}}
Actress Brenna Harding has said that "... the message of Wear It Purple — of support to young LGBTI people and kids with same-sex parents — was in danger of being drowned out..." by the banning of the film Gayby Baby and associated events at some Australian schools.{{Cite web|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/puberty-blues-star-slams-gayby-baby-school-ban/140320|title=Puberty Blues star raised by lesbian mums slams Gayby Baby school "ban" - Star Observer|website=Star Observer|date=28 August 2015|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629175528/http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/puberty-blues-star-slams-gayby-baby-school-ban/140320|archive-date=2017-06-29|url-status=live}} Senator Penny Wong similarly stated that Wear it Purple Day was designed to show LGBTI young people that they are supported, but that rather than addressing bullying, people reverted to sensationalist controversy.{{Cite web|url=http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22media%2Fpressrel%2F4040288%22|title=Transcript of interview with Laura Jayes: Sky News To the Point: 27 August 2015: China-Australia Free Trade Agreement; Gayby Baby; marriage equality; Tony Abbott's royal commission|last=Jayes|first=Laura|date=27 August 2015|website=Parliament of Australia Information|access-date=5 February 2017}}
In 2016, the NSW Government asked film producer Charlotte Mars to amend text in a promotional email, regarding the wording around their support for the film.{{Cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/lanesainty/gayby-baby|title=Banned "Gayby Baby" Film To Be Shown In Schools|last1=Reporter|first1=Lane Sainty BuzzFeed News|last2=Australia|website=BuzzFeed|date=15 July 2016 |access-date=2017-02-05}}
=== Volume of complaints ===
Documents later obtained under freedom of information laws showed that the Department of Premier and Cabinet received 55 congratulatory messages on the ban, which were outnumbered by 85 complaints about the ban.{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/gayby-baby-complaints-against-ban-outnumber-complaints-against-film-20151104-gkqesx.html|title=Gayby Baby: Complaints against ban outnumber complaints against film|last=Bagshaw|first=Eryk|date=2015-11-04|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206182324/http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/gayby-baby-complaints-against-ban-outnumber-complaints-against-film-20151104-gkqesx.html/|archive-date=2017-02-06|url-status=live}} Reverend Mark Powell alleged that the Wear it Purple Day organisation was operating against the Education Department guidelines and that the volume of complaints was not recorded accurately.{{Cite news|title=Purple has become the colour of thought control|last=Powell|first=Mark|date=3 September 2015|work=Daily Telegraph|via=Factiva}} The Education Department initially advised reporters at The Guardian that they had not received complaints,{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/26/sydney-school-received-no-complaints-from-parents-about-gayby-baby-film?CMP=soc_567|title=Sydney school received no complaints from parents about Gayby Baby film|last=Safi|first=Michael|date=2015-08-26|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=2017-02-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029211707/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/26/sydney-school-received-no-complaints-from-parents-about-gayby-baby-film?CMP=soc_567|archive-date=2015-10-29|url-status=live}} and later recanted on this statement to reporters at The Daily Telegraph.{{Cite news|title=Parents objected to gay film's screening|last=McDougall|first=Bruce|date=28 August 2015|work=Daily Telegraph|via=Factiva}} Craig Laundy, whose electorate covers Burwood, stated that he had been inundated with calls from parents and community representatives, expressing concern about the planned film screening.{{Cite news|title=Gay film banned from state school classrooms|last=McDougall, Wood|first=Bruce, Alicia|date=27 August 2015|work=Daily Telegraph|via=Factiva}}
= 2015 =
== Coffee shop signage ==
In 2015, Dubbo coffee shop owner Karen Payne has faced negativity from a customer for her business signage celebrating Wear It Purple Day.{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/3351276/54-v-44-dubbo-business-owner-celebrating-the-end-of-an-error/|title=54 v 44 = :) : Dubbo business owner celebrating the 'end of an error'|last=RUMING|first=ORLANDER|date=2015-09-16|newspaper=Daily Liberal|language=en|access-date=2017-01-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824133658/http://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/3351276/54-v-44-dubbo-business-owner-celebrating-the-end-of-an-error/|archive-date=2017-08-24|url-status=live}}
= 2012 =
== Conflict from flyers ==
Students at Craigieburn Secondary College distributed supportive flyers for Wear it Purple Day in 2012, as part of Craigieburn's Same-Sex Attracted Friendly Environment (SSAFE) group. A teacher confiscated and removed some of the flyers, and a student was verbally supported by a peer. The school removed the flyers from the walls, but Principal Julie Robertson stated that this was because the group had not sought permission for the display.{{Cite news|title=Conflict over gay 'flyers'|last=Zevenbergen|first=Stephanie|date=18 September 2012|work=Hume Weekly|via=Factiva}}
= 2010 =
== Official website blocking ==
After the Wear it Purple website was launched in December 2010, the Department of Education and Training filter blocked it from being viewed on Government school computers.{{Cite news|url=http://www.lotl.com/News/Wear-it-Purple-launches-website/|title=Wear it Purple launches website|language=en|access-date=2017-02-05}}
Celebration dates and yearly themes
Many years of Wear it Purple Day include a theme or associated projects, including:
See also
{{Portal|LGBTQ}}
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
{{Commons category|Wear It Purple Day}}
- [http://www.wearitpurple.org/ Official website]
Category:Unofficial observances