Will you ‘Wear it Purple’ in support of our LGBTIQ+ community?
At Deakin, we recognise the rights of our LGBTIQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Gender-Diverse, Intersex and Queer/Questioning) students and staff to live free of prejudice and discrimination, and we actively and positively support diversity. We believe that being bullied and harassed due to sexual orientation or gender identity is unacceptable.
That’s why we’re encouraging the entire Deakin community to get involved with Wear it Purple, an international movement aimed at fostering supporting, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for LGBTIQ+ young people.
This year is the 10th anniversary of Wear it Purple, which was established to show young people worldwide that there is hope, that people support and accept the LGBTIQ+ community, and that they have the right to be proud of who they are.
Friday 28 August is Wear it Purple Day
This year’s theme is ‘We are the change’, so will you be part of a movement that has the potential to save many lives? You can get involved in a number of ways.
Join our online panel discussion
Sport is an important way for people to improve their health and wellbeing and foster a strong sense of community belonging and pride. But while the LGBTIQ+ community comprises about 11% of Australia’s population, research shows that this group has some of the lowest rates of participation in sport, recreation and physical activity out of any community. This is often because LGBTIQ+ people have had poor sporting experiences due to discrimination or harassment.
In partnership with the Geelong Cats Football Club, our feature event is a live online panel discussion featuring some amazing speakers who will share inspiring stories and ideas for change:
- Dr Bridie O’Donnell – Director, Office for Women in Sport and Recreation
- Chyloe Kurdas – former elite Australian Rules footballer, and television and radio sports commentator
- Meg McDonald – Geelong AFLW player
- Andrew Brennan – professional National Premier Leagues Victoria football player and current Deakin student.
All are welcome to listen, discuss and share, and you can also submit a question when you register.
When: Friday 28 August, 12–1pm: REGISTER NOW
Use our digital resources to educate yourself and others
Check out the Deakin LGBTIQ+ page for some powerful messages, interviews and stories from athletes and other LGBTIQ+ advocates, including:
- Deakin lecturer Oscar Roos in conversation with Shannon Molloy, journalist and author of Fourteen
- an interview with Australian Winter Olympic snowboarder Belle Brockhoff.
You can also download your own Wear it Purple Zoom background – so showcase your support for this amazing cause as you study from home!
Participate in a Vic Allies Network event
The Vic Allies Network is running a range of awesome online activities throughout the week. All are welcome, so learn more and find out how to get involved:
- Wednesday 26 August, 4pm: Wear it Purple Trivia – REGISTER NOW
- Thursday 27 August, 1pm: Rainbow Stories – REGISTER NOW
- Friday 28 August, 10.45am: The Importance of Allies – REGISTER NOW
- Cross-University Bake-Off: Bake it, shoot it, post it to #bakeitpurple or #bakeitpurple2020 before Friday 28 August.