Adelaide PHN Turns Purple

Adelaide PHN staff embraced Wear It Purple Day, donning their purple outfits in support of LGBTIQA+ youth.

The annual celebration that's held on the last Friday of August each year, shows young people in the LGBTIQA+ community that they are seen, valued and loved for exactly who they are.

Adelaide PHN hosted a morning tea that featured guest speaker Courtney Young, a queer, non-binary person who works with Youturn in the YES Adelaide program.

Courtney spoke to staff about the challenges and barriers facing LGBTIQA+ young people and how we can all contribute to creating a safe space in our workplace and in our communities.

Young people in the LGBTIQA+ community have higher rates of suicide, suicidal distress, self-harm, and are more likely to experience a mental disorder.

They are also more like to experience workplace harassment and abuse, and there are high rates of family violence and child maltreatment.

Days like Wear It Purple Day encourage support for these young people, and the increase in open discussions surrounding gender and sexuality in our communities and our workplaces can continue to foster more inclusive environments.

It's all about creating safe spaces and sparking conversations that empower young people to be proud of their identity, no matter what.

For more information on Wear It Purple Day: https://www.wearitpurple.org/