Queensland Police Service (QPS) LGBTI Liaison Officers had a great time breaking down barriers and building positive relationships by chatting to some local high school students for Wear it Purple Day.
Wear it Purple Day is held on August 28 every year to celebrate diversity and young people amongst LGBTIQ+ communities.
Acting Sergeant Turner and Constable Farrance admiring the Wear it Purple display at Indooroopilly State High
Now in its 10th year, Wear it Purple Day started in response to bullying, harassment and abuse faced by LGBTIQ+ youth.
The day is now internationally recognised as an opportunity to support young members of these communities.
Every year, members of the QPS support Wear it Purple Day by wearing purple shoelaces as well as the official rainbow LGBTIQ+ Service pins and patches.
The theme for 2020 Wear it Purple Day is 'We are the Change', encouraging everyone to show their support and improve the lives of young members of the LGBTIQ+ community.
This year, Acting Sergeant Luke Turner and Constable Jesse Farrance visited Indooroopilly State High School to deliver some important messages to the students about how the QPS is available to support members of the LGBTIQ+ communities.
LGBTI Liaison Officers Acting Sergeant Luke Turner and Constable Jesse Farrance spoke to about 50 students from Indooroopilly State High for Wear it Purple Day
Acting Sergeant Turner said Wear it Purple Day provided the QPS with a great opportunity to build stronger relationships with young LGBTIQ+ people, which has strong benefits and can even be life-saving for members of these communities.
Acting Sergeant Turner and Constable Farrance with students Talya Askings, Oliver Strong and Francesca Barel
"It was great to have a chance to meet the students, break down barriers between police and young people, and celebrate the diversity within our community," Acting Sergeant Turner said.
"It was awesome to see the kids being so engaged and keen to learn about what we can do to support them."
Acting Sergeant Turner and Constable Farrance with staff from Indooroopilly State High
You can find out more about how the QPS supports LGBTIQ+ communities here.
To learn more about Wear it Purple Day, head to wearitpurple.org
