NSW Police Force officers will 'Wear it Purple' to celebrate diversity and support the prevention of bullying and youth suicide today (Friday 30 August 2019).
The annual event 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.'
For the past eight years, officers from across the force have worn purple to foster a safe, supportive and accepting environment while empowering young 'rainbow' people within the community.
School Liaison Police, Youth Liaison Officers (YLOs), Crime Prevention Officers (CPOs) and 'GLLOs' (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer Liaison Officers) regularly attend schools in their local areas to talk about the impact of bullying and the importance of inclusion.
Today, these officers will be supporting 'Wear it Purple' events in Newtown, Quakers Hill, Coogee, Newcastle, Gosford, the Blue Mountains and across Sydney's North Shore. They will also be supported by officers from Police Transport Command at Central, Sutherland and Parramatta Railway Stations.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Tony Crandell APM, said everyone has the right to feel safe and supported in an environment free from bullying and violence.
"Right across the state, our officers will 'Standup' and 'Standout' in the colour purple, to support our young people and the unique challenges they face on a daily basis by continuing to share the messages of 'Wear it Purple'," Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.
"Regardless of their gender or sexuality, young people need to understand they are not alone, and our police officers will be out in the community to not only reinforce that, but to show they can come to us for help.
"I look forward to continuing our support for 'Wear it Purple' day and building even better relationships between police and young people within the LGBTIQ community," Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.
Wear it Purple and NSW Police Force will continue to work together to further reduce the risk of bullying and youth suicide.
For more information on Wear It Purple, visit https://www.wearitpurple.org/
