Wear It Purple was founded in 2010 in response to global stories of real teenagers, real heartache and their very real responses.
The day is celebrated every year to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people.
The Wear It Purple theme for 2021 is Start the Conversation…Keep it Going to highlight the important and necessary conversations we have in our daily lives that centre around sexual orientation and gender identity.
It aims to remind people that the issues we reflect upon on Wear It Purple Day should be something we consider every day in everything we do.
The Inclusion and Fairness team celebrate the role that all CFA members play in creating a safe, empowering and inclusive environment for rainbow youth.
“Even with COVID-19 restrictions in place there are a number of ways CFA members can get involved,” the team said.
“It could be something small, like wearing a splash of purple for the day to spark a conversation or something bigger such as participating in one of our upcoming LGBTIQ+ Awareness and Allyship workshops or completing our LGBTIQ+ Inclusion module on the Learning Hub.”
Below are some ways CFA members can choose to actively participate on Wear It Purple day. Operational activity or Coronavirus restrictions may have an impact on your ability to actively participate, however we encourage you to take part where you can.
Ways to get involved
Increase your understanding of the LGBTIQ+ community
CFA members are invited to participate in the LGBTIQ+ Awareness and Allyship Workshops. This session provides participants with an overall understanding of why LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion is important to CFA and to provide a level of comfort around key concepts such as terminology and unique challenges. RSVP by emailing Inclusion and Fairness.
Session times:
- Thursday 19 August 1800 – 6pm to 9pm
- Tuesday 24 August 1000 – 10 am to 1pm
- Monday 20 September – 1.30pm to 4.30pm
- Tuesday 5 October - 6pm to 9pm
Complete the LGBTIQ+ Inclusion module on the Learning Hub with your team and reflect as a group on the following:
- What was something you found interesting?
- Were there any parts that you found challenging? Why?
- What role do you think you play in creating a safe space for LGBTIQ+ youth?
- What will you do with this (new information)/ what will you do differently now that you know more?
- What does being an ‘ally’ mean?
Check out the Victorian Government LGBTIQ Equality page, or read the LGBTIQ+ Inclusive Language Guide
Visible support
- Add this day to your calendar to remind you to wear a splash of purple in support of Wear It Purple day and young rainbow kids.
- Post photos online to show your support on CFA Pride, Brigade and District Facebook pages and use the hashtag #wearitpurple to “Start the Conversation…Keep it Going”
- Use the Wear It Purple background for online meetings
Promote and celebrate the success of young LGBTIQ+ people in CFA
- Record a couple of ’20 second challenge’ videos explaining how LGBTIQ+ inclusion in CFA can support the rainbow membership
- Share a profile story about a young LGBTIQ+ or ally (ensure the person is supported and you have their permission, and if under 18, parental consent)
- Host a recognition event celebrating success and achievements of LGBTIQ+ members. View tips on how to host a virtual event
- Invite a young member within the LGBTIQ+ community to speak at a DPC meeting, Inclusion and Fairness Council meeting or team meeting – if they are comfortable to do so
- Nominate an eligible LGBTIQ+ person for honours and awards, e.g. Spirit of CFA, Quarterly Recognition Awards etc
Seek out local events
- Seek out other Wear It Purple events in your area by contacting your local government or LGBTIQ+ community groups. Please ensure you follow all COVID-19 restrictions.
- Encourage and support members from your brigade or office to attend or participate in events to demonstrate support and understanding.
Visit the Wear it Purple website for further Information including logos and resources.
If you have any photos and information you’d like to share for a story about Wear It Purple day celebrations and participation, please email inclusionandfairness@cfa.vic.gov.au