We’re all human: embrace diversity and understanding this Wear it Purple Day
At Deakin, we work towards creating an environment of inclusion where we value our diversity, embrace difference, and nurture a connected, safe and respectful community. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to get involved with Wear it Purple, an international movement aimed at fostering safe and inclusive environments for LGBTIQ+ young people.
While many of us can express our individuality safely, 75 percent of Australia’s LGBTIQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Gender-Diverse, Intersex and Queer/Questioning) youth experience discrimination because of their identity.
As a result, LGBTIQ+ youth are up to 12 times more likely to experience depression and up to five times more likely to experience anxiety.
Wear it Purple Day, which is on Friday 26 August, is about showing young LGBTIQ+ people that they have the right to be proud of who they are, and that they are seen and supported. It’s also about creating safe spaces in schools, universities, workplaces and public spaces.
Still Me, Still Human
Forget the labels, the news story, the data – ultimately, we’re all human. To celebrate this year’s Wear it Purple theme – ‘Still Me, Still Human’ – we’re promoting the voices and stories of wonderful members of the Deakin LGBTIQ+ and Allies community in our Wear it Purple Human Library.
A human library is a group of people with a story to share. Human books are available for loan by people interested in hearing their stories. Through positive, personal dialogue, a human library encourages new perspectives, celebrates difference and promotes inclusive communities.
Don’t miss out on the chance to borrow our Human Books for an inspiring 15-minute conversation with a member of the Deakin community you may never otherwise meet. The Human Library will be held on each campus next week in the lead-up to Wear it Purple Day – but tickets are limited, so get in quick:
Burwood
When: Tuesday 23 August, 10.30–11.30am
You can meet: Tarryn and Ernie, Vishal Ravindran and Dr Oscar Roos
Learn more and register now
Geelong Waterfront
When: Wednesday 24 August, 10.30–11.30am
You can meet: Hero Macdonald and Stephen Simpson
Learn more and register now
Waurn Ponds
When: Thursday 25 August, 12–1pm
You can meet: Cayla Edwards, Heidi Fin and Jimmy Buck
Learn more and register now
Warrnambool
When: Thursday 25 August, 2.30–3.30pm
You can meet: Alecia Bellgrove and Paul Venzo
Learn more and register now
Online panel event
Can’t make it to campus? Join the following panellists for a live conversation on fostering inclusion and this year’s Wear it Purple theme, ‘Still Me, Still Human’:
- Mel Martinelli (Executive Director, Equity and Inclusion)
- Hero Macdonald (University Librarian)
- Tom Molyneux (Manager, Indigenous Inclusion)
- Monee Poole (DUSA Geelong Queer Representative)
- Vishal Ravindran (DUSA Burwood Queer Representative)
When: Friday 26 August, 2–2.45pm
Learn more and register now.
For all event enquiries and to submit a question for the panel, email [email protected].
We stand with our LGBTIQ+ community
There’s a range of LGBTIQ+ support at Deakin, so learn more about what help is available. You can also become a member of our LGBTIQ+ community by emailing [email protected].
We have a gender affirmation policy, which clearly outlines how we support anyone from Deakin who is undergoing, or considering undergoing, a gender affirmation. If you need some support, find out more about what help is available to you, including external services.
If you ever need someone to talk to, Deakin’s Counselling and Psychological Support service is safe, respectful and inclusive. Our highly skilled counsellors and social workers are here to help all students. Find out more about Deakin’s student health and wellbeing services.
Deakin pledges to never stay silent about homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. We will always stand with our LGBTIQ+ students and staff. We are part of the solution.