Headspace Wagga Wagga’s community engagement officer Kane Stewart and Wagga Council’s youth and community development officer Mel Fattore said Wear It Purple Day was an initiative aimed at raising awareness and creating a supportive, safe and fun environment for our queer youth. Photo: Supplied.
Wagga is set to celebrate diversity on Wear It Purple Day this year through an evening disco at the Civic Theatre.
The Wagga Wagga Civic Centre will come alive from 6:30 pm on 29 August for Wear It Purple Day with purple lighting and a range of activities.
Attendees can learn how to line-dance with Hayley from Luxe Dance Studios, take part in low-sensory craft activities, snap a commemorative polaroid and enjoy queer anthems from DJ T and Centennial.
Wear It Purple Day, which falls on the last Friday in August each year, is a national initiative to raise awareness and cultivate an environment where queer youth feel safe, supported and empowered.
Wagga Council’s youth and community development officer Mel Fattore said the Wear It Purple Day Disco came about following consultations with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and was an opportunity to encourage and build trust between queer youth and allies.
Wear it Purple was founded in 2010 in response to experiences from teenagers that reflected the heartache, bullying and harassment they faced for their sexual or gender identity.
The nationwide initiative was established following stories of young rainbow people taking their own life, to show young people everywhere that regardless of what they were facing, there were people out there who did support and accept them.
“We know from consultation with local young people that they want to see more social connection opportunities – primarily ones that occur in the evening, in non-alcohol spaces, and that seek to engage with local youth support services in a fun way,” Ms Fattore said.
“This disco is for 12- to 25-year-olds who identify as queer, and their friends.
“It’s a safe, accessible space that is drug and alcohol free and will have allies present all night to ensure each young person feels supported to have fun and be themselves.”
Headspace Wagga Wagga Community Engagement Officer Kane Stewart is equally keen to see young people find new friends and build confidence.
“Events like this help break down stigma, foster inclusion, and create safe spaces where young people feel valued, supported, and free to be themselves,” Mr Stewart said.
Wear It Purple Disco will run from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Friday 29 August at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre Arcade.
This event is drug and alcohol free, and only for members of the community between the ages of 12 and 25. Tickets, which cost $5 and include pizza and popcorn, are required to attend.
For more information and to book a ticket, please visit council’s website.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact:
Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au
