Josh Dolega (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to talk about a day that's important to young queer people. This Friday, we will celebrate Wear It Purple Day. The day is about more than just wearing a colour; it's about supporting young LGBTQI+ people. It's showing up in solidarity with young queer people and sending a message, a really simple but important message, that you're an ally. Wear It Purple Day is a powerful reminder that every young queer person deserves to feel safe, supported and celebrated. We know the challenges can be real, whether it's struggling with mental health, facing discrimination or just trying to find your place in the world. A recent report from Minus18, which is an Australian group focused on improving the lives of young queer people, found that nearly nine in 10 queer youths have experienced bullying, harassment or violence and more than half had faced it in the past year. That's simply not okay. One in 10 have experienced physical violence for simply being who they are, which is, again, not okay. Even in places where people should feel safe, like school or work, most don't feel safe being out, and we really must change this.

But there is hope. Small acts of allyship can make a difference, a big difference. Eighty-six per cent of young queer people said that seeing somebody wearing rainbow or ally accessories, like a badge or a lanyard, made them feel safer, and, despite the challenges, 73 per cent said that they felt pride and joy in being queer in just this past year. Every Wear It Purple Day is an opportunity for us to recommit to being supportive, visible allies and making sure that we're calling out any challenge to safety, for the dignity and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ young people. So let's break out our purple shirts and ties on Friday.