Whether it’s a shirt, face mask or pair of socks, staff and students are encouraged to dig out a purple item of clothing or accessory and wear it this Friday, 28 August for Wear It Purple Day.

2020 marks the 10th anniversary of Wear It Purple Day, an annual day of visibility, particularly for young LGBTIQ+ Australians.

The day started in response to global stories of teenagers and young people experiencing exclusion, bullying and harassment, and the negative impacts of a lack of acceptance of their sexuality, gender identity or sex characteristics.

The theme this year is “We Are The Change” – a call to action for each of us to take steps to ensure Macquarie is a safe, supportive and inclusive university where everyone can be proud of who they are.

Join Macquarie’s Ally Network and Queer Collective student group by wearing purple this Friday and show your support for diversity and LGBTIQ+ members of our community – and receive 25% off food and drinks at selected Campus Life outlets! Cupcakes and Paella will be on sale at Wally’s Walk with all money raised going to the MQ Queer Collective.

“Research and personal stories show that LGBTIQ+ communities experience high rates of poor mental health, discrimination, bullying, harassment, and violence,” says Respect. Now. Always. Project Officer Amber Loomis.

“I became a member of the Ally Network because I believe that by working together, we can change this. We can create an environment where LGBTIQ+ students and staff from all backgrounds feel safe and supported at Macquarie.”

Michelle Power, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and member of the Ally Network since its creation at Macquarie, adds that, “There are still so many negative messages out there that impact young people who are figuring out their identity, and seeing more positive signals and supportive environments is critical, especially for those who are leaving school and heading to university and undergoing a lot of change.

“The Ally Network sends the message that Macquarie is a positive and safe environment. Visibility through the Ally Network also reaches non-members of the LGBTIQ+ community and educates them on the importance of inclusion and issues within the LGBTIQ+ community.”

Vice-Chancellor, Professor S. Bruce Dowton, says “I am proud of our University community and the important work being done to foster an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered.

“There is still more work to be done, however days like these provide an opportunity to celebrate all of our colleagues and be proud of our diverse community here at Macquarie. I encourage staff and students to take a walk on Friday and wear purple to celebrate and stand alongside LGTBIQ+ members of our campus community”.

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If you’re on campus on Friday, be sure to check out Campus Life’s venues for your 25% Wear It Purple discount, purple cupcakes and Wear It Purple paella (not coloured purple), with proceeds donated to the Queer Collective to support our own queer youth.

If you’re working from home on Friday, why not show your support by downloading and using the Wear It Purple Zoom background.