The Equal Opportunity Commission is recognising Wear It Purple Day as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of connection, belonging and inclusion for LGBTQIA+SB young people.
Wear It Purple Day was established in 2010 by Australian students in response to the bullying, isolation and discrimination experienced by many LGBTQIA+ young people. Today, it is an international movement that celebrates diversity and sends a powerful message to young people that they are seen, valued and supported.
This year's theme, Colours of Courage , recognises the many forms courage can take. Courage can be found in speaking up, standing beside others, asking for support, or simply being yourself in environments where doing so may not always feel safe.
The theme is particularly important at a time when loneliness and disconnection are emerging as significant issues for young Australians.
Recent research found that over 43 per cent of young Australians experience loneliness, with many reporting persistent feelings of disconnection. Among LGBTQIA+ young people , that figure rises to over 70 per cent. This matters because connection is fundamental to wellbeing. Young people who experience ongoing loneliness are significantly more likely to experience psychological distress and poorer wellbeing outcomes, leading researchers to describe youth loneliness as a growing public health challenge that deserves urgent attention.
For LGBTQIA+ young people, that sense of connection is often shaped by whether they feel accepted, respected and able to be themselves. Research consistently shows that belonging, supportive relationships and visible allyship can make a meaningful difference to young people's sense of safety, inclusion and wellbeing.
This is where laws that protect our rights play an important role. In Western Australia, the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) provides protections against discrimination and harassment on grounds including sexual orientation, gender history and sex. These protections are supported by federal legislation , including the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth).
These protections help create the conditions for connection. They protect people's right to participate in education, employment and community life free from discrimination and harassment. They help create environments where people can contribute, belong and participate fully.
However, creating those environments requires more than legal protections alone. It requires individuals, organisations and communities to play their part in fostering inclusion and challenging behaviours that contribute to exclusion and harm.
The Equal Opportunity Commission supports this work through initiatives such as its Mentorship Program and free Active Bystander Training , which help people build the skills and confidence to challenge harmful conduct, support others and contribute to positive change.
Wear It Purple Day invites us to reflect on the role we each play in helping young people feel connected and supported. How do we create spaces where people feel safe to be themselves? What does courage look like in our workplaces, schools and communities?
For more information about your rights and responsibilities under the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA), visit the Commission's Information and Resources page on our website.
Those looking to strengthen inclusion and respectful participation in their workplaces or communities can also explore the Commission's education and training opportunities on our Education and Training page.
