Wear it Purple
Every young person deserves to feel safe, supported and proud of who they are. Wear It Purple was founded by young Australians Katherine Hudson and Scott Williams after a series of tragic stories highlighted the devastating impact that bullying, discrimination and exclusion were having on LGBTQIA+ young people. They wanted to create a visible movement that would remind young people they were supported by their communities and had every reason to be hopeful about their future. Purple was chosen as a symbol of unity. While attitudes have come a long way, many LGBTQIA+ young people continue to face discrimination, exclusion and bullying. Wear It Purple exists to challenge those experiences and help create communities where young people can live authentically and confidently. Getting involved is wonderfully simple. Why Purple Matters
That's the simple but powerful idea behind Wear It Purple Day, an annual Australian movement that encourages schools, workplaces, community groups and individuals to visibly show support for LGBTQIA+ young people. Founded in 2010, Wear It Purple was created to foster safer, more inclusive environments where rainbow young people can thrive, knowing they are seen, valued and never alone.
Each year, people across Australia wear purple as a visible sign of allyship, acceptance and inclusion. It might be a purple shirt, a ribbon, a pair of socks or even a splash of colour in a shopfront window, but the message remains the same: you belong here.How It All Began
What began as a grassroots initiative quickly grew into a nationwide movement. Today, thousands of schools, universities, workplaces, sporting clubs and community organisations take part each year, demonstrating their commitment to creating safer and more inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ young people.Why Purple
Rather than representing one specific identity, the colour was intended to bring people together from all backgrounds around a shared message of support, visibility and belonging. Over time, purple has become a powerful symbol of solidarity with LGBTQIA+ young people and a reminder that inclusion is everyone's responsibility.
On Wear It Purple Day, a splash of purple can become something much bigger: a signal that someone is welcome, respected and safe to be themselves.Why We Still Celebrate
The movement is about more than awareness. It's about visibility, allyship and creating a future where every young person feels empowered to embrace who they are. Whether that's through a conversation, a community event, a workplace initiative or simply wearing purple, every act of support helps create a culture of belonging.Showing Your Support
Wear something purple. Start a conversation. Learn more about the experiences of LGBTQIA+ young people. Support organisations creating positive change. Most importantly, take the opportunity to let the young people in your life know they are valued exactly as they are.
Because when young people can see that support around them, it sends a powerful message: you're seen, you're celebrated, and your future is bright.
At Broadway Sydney, we're proud to support initiatives that help create safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for everyone, not just on Wear It Purple Day, but every day of the year. 💜🌈
Learn more about Wear It Purple and this year's campaign at Wear It Purple.