The NSW Police Force is proud to support ‘Wear it Purple’ 2016, a student-run event that promotes the well-being of all young people, and the prevention of bullying and youth suicide by encouraging people to be proud of who they are, NSW Police say.
‘Wear it Purple’ day kicks off this morning tomorrow, which will see police officers across metropolitan and regional areas making a stand in purple.
The annual event is about supporting every young person, while promoting the idea that every one of them is unique, which should be freely celebrated in a safe environment.
The organisation was launched in 2010 by two students and has now grown into an international celebration; spreading the simple message that ‘you have the right to be proud of who you are.’
The NSW Police Force has actively supported the event since 2012, with School Liaison Police, Youth Liaison Officers (YLOs), Crime Prevention Officers (CPOs) and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) Liaison Officers (formerly GLLO officers) attending schools in their local areas to talk about the impact of bullying and the importance of inclusion.
The NSW Police Force supports initiatives that foster a safe and inclusive working environment, like Pride in Diversity and the LGBTI Liaison program, the latter of which now includes 200 officers across the state.
In addition, the Force has recently published the fourth instalment of the Sexuality, Gender Diversity and Intersex Policy that aims to create a culture of inclusion within the organisation, while encouraging employees to improve their understanding of diversity within their local communities.
The Force continues to foster strong relationships with LGBTI people and organisations to prevent and reduce crime, and the fear of crime.
These partnerships also helped inform the latest policy by ensuring the content was relevant and accurately addressed key issues within the wider LGBTI community.
‘Wear it Purple’ day also encourages support for the prevention of youth suicide, one of the leading causes of death among young people, second only to road trauma.
The risk of suicide grows seven times greater for youths who suffer discrimination or prejudice based on their sexuality or gender diversity.
However, through support and encouragement, young people feel significantly better about their sexuality and are less likely to engage in self harm.
NSW Police Corporate Sponsor for Sexuality & Gender Diversity, Detective Superintendent Tony Crandell, said everyone has the right to feel safe and supported in an environment free from bullying and violence.
"The NSW Police is proud to share the message of ‘Wear it Purple’ day, to celebrate the value of diversity and to show our ongoing support for young people and the unique challenges they face each day," Det Supt Crandell said.
"Throughout the day our officers will be out and about in the community to make sure young people understand they are not alone, each of them has the right to be proud of who they are and they can come to us for help.
"We’ll also be hosting a joint community event, including a free barbecue, outside the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre from midday today," Det Supt Crandell said.
"I encourage everyone to come along and I urge those attending to take a quick snap on your phone and share it via social media with the hashtags, #WearitPurple and #Proudtobeme.
"I look forward to continuing our support for ‘Wear it Purple’ day, and building even better relationships between police and young people within the LGBTI community," Det Supt Crandell said.
‘Wear it Purple’ organiser, Naomi Graham, said ‘Wear it Purple’ day is an incredible opportunity to show support for rainbow young people.
"At its very core ‘Wear it Purple’ day is about embracing diversity in all its forms, and providing safe places for everyone to be themselves," Ms Graham said.
"We all know how tough growing up can be, and when you add questions about your sexuality or gender to that, it can potentially be a very difficult time
"As we continue to work on making schools, workplaces and our communities more accepting, supportive and safe, it's our hope that rates of bullying and discrimination will fall," Ms Graham said.
"For all the stories many of us have heard about young people coming out, or gone through ourselves, I think it's safe to say that increased support is a really positive thing."
