Passion & pride for Wear it Purple Day

International Wear It Purple day, observed annually on the last Friday in August, was founded in 2010 to support young rainbow people facing challenges in acceptance and support due to their sexuality or gender identity. Over the years, it has grown into a global community movement with a powerful message: everyone has the right to be proud of who they are, regardless of their identity. 

Victoria University (VU) has organised a series of events from August 22 to 27. These events are designed to show strong support for the LGBTIQA+ community and include a tour of Melbourne’s Victorian Pride Centre, a call for students to join VU’s Queer Collective—a group focused on creating social events and safe spaces—and a special creative-based event. The creative event encourages students and staff to submit stories, poems, artworks, or any form of creative expression under the theme "Your Passion, Your Pride." 

The idea for these creative initiative was conceived by C Freeland, a third-year psychology student and a part-time member of VU’s Equality, Inclusion, and Belonging unit. C sees participation in Wear It Purple not just as a means of personal growth but as a way to ensure that others do not face the same struggles they did. C emphasises that initiatives like Wear It Purple are crucial in demonstrating that being one's true self is not just accepted but celebrated. C believes that academic institutions and the broader community have a responsibility to create safe, inclusive environments for everyone to develop their identity and sense of self. 

“It wasn’t until I left the workforce and came to university as a mature-aged student in my 30s that I truly began to embrace who I am. Coming out as trans and non-binary marked the start of my ‘second puberty,’ a phase where I could finally grow into my authentic self," C said.

VU's commitment to inclusivity was highlighted by a group photo taken at VU Footscray Park Campus with Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker, symbolising the university's unified support for the LGBTIQA+ community. C's involvement and message underline the importance of such initiatives in fostering a culture of acceptance that extends beyond the university and into the wider community.