Celebrating ‘Wear it Purple’

August 26, 2022

with thanks to Will, Amanda and Elliot Nicholas for these reflections and resources on 'Wear It Purple' Day, a national awareness campaign which takes place every year, aiming to support safe, empowering and inclusive environments for the young rainbow community.

A video from Will Nicholas

A reflection from Elliot Nicholas

I’m pretty sure my opinion of 'Wear it Purple' Day is different to others. For me, it is more than just standing in amongst the LGBT community as a bisexual trans guy. It’s about watching all of the allies in my life walk with me, not necessarily understanding the significance or my journey, but being there all the same.

I can been seen, heard, respected and loved regardless of what I might be and how others see me. Wear it Purple is a uniform allies and LGBT people wear together that says to me, "yes, we are different. Yes, we are different sides of the same coin. But we are the same. We’re human. And we deserve as much respect and love as anyone else."

Honestly I think 'Wear It Purple' Day is just as significant for allies as it is for people of the LGBT minority. Which is why I love it so much. Because it teaches people who identify as LGBT+ to have patience and trust for their allies and it teaches the allies to have love and respect for their LGBT+ people.

It's a lesson of love and inclusivity. For both sides of the same coin.