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When is Wear It Purple Day?

by Joleen Gan on April 24, 2025

Every year, Australians across schools, workplaces, and communities wear purple to send a powerful message: LGBTQIA+ youth deserve to feel safe, supported, and proud of who they are. With research showing that 2 in 3 LGBTQIA+ youth in Australia experience bullying or discrimination, days like Wear It Purple Day are more important than ever. But when is Wear It Purple Day, and what’s it all about? Let’s break it down—from its meaning to how you can get involved (and yes, we’ve got gifting ideas, including Wear It Purple Day cupcakes too).

What is Wear It Purple Day?

Wear It Purple Day is a national awareness day that celebrates and supports LGBTQIA+ young people. It was founded in 2010 by Australian high school students, after a number of LGBTQIA+ youth took their lives due to bullying and harassment. Since then, it’s grown into a powerful movement that encourages schools, workplaces, and communities to create inclusive, empowering spaces for rainbow youth.

The core message? Everyone has the right to be proud of who they are.

Why is Wear It Purple Day Important?

The day was created to remind LGBTQIA+ youth that they are not alone. Visibility matters. So does support. When young people see their identities celebrated, it can significantly reduce feelings of isolation, improve mental health, and promote a sense of belonging.

The event isn't just a show of support—it's a step towards real, long-term change in schools, workplaces, and broader society.

What Does Wear It Purple Day Support?

Wear It Purple Day is about more than just dressing in purple—it's a show of solidarity for LGBTQIA+ youth who may be facing bullying, exclusion, or mental health challenges. It champions acceptance, visibility, and positive change, helping young people feel seen and heard.

The day encourages safe and inclusive environments across schools, workplaces, and communities. It’s also an important reminder to adults—especially educators, parents, and leaders—that their support has a lasting impact.

Purple and LGBTQ+ History

Purple—and its softer cousin, lavender—have long symbolised LGBTQ+ pride. During the 1950s Lavender Scare in the US, lavender was used to single out queer people—but the community reclaimed it. It became a symbol of resistance, pride, and unity.

From the “Lavender Menace” feminist group to the Lavender Rhino used by activists in the '70s, purple has deep roots in LGBTQ+ history. Wear It Purple Day draws on this legacy to honour that journey while championing a more inclusive future.

Why Purple for Wear It Purple Day?

Co-founder Katherine Hudson chose the colour purple because of its power to unite. It’s used in movements across the world, from epilepsy awareness to Spirit Day. Purple doesn’t belong to any one group—it represents strength, empathy, and solidarity.

Wearing purple on this day is a bold visual signal that says, "We see you. We support you. You belong."

Is Wear It Purple Day Australia Only?

Yes—Wear It Purple Day was founded in Australia and is uniquely Aussie in origin. While the sentiment of supporting LGBTQIA+ youth is global, this particular awareness day is a homegrown initiative that’s now celebrated in thousands of Aussie schools and workplaces.

That said, the message resonates far and wide, and many international allies have adopted the spirit of the day in their own communities.

When is Wear It Purple Day?

Wear It Purple Day is celebrated annually on the last Friday of August. In 2025, it falls on Friday, 29 August—so mark your calendars!

Upcoming Wear It Purple Day Dates for the Next 5 Years

Year Date
2025 29th August
2026 28th August
2027 27th August
2028 25th August
2029 31st August

Wear It Purple Day 2025 Theme

Each year, Wear It Purple Day introduces a new theme to spark meaningful conversations and inspire action across the country. The theme of Wear It Purple 2025 isn't out yet, check back when the theme is out!

Past Themes

  • 2024 – Your Passion, Your Pride
  • 2023 – Write Your Story
  • 2022 – Still Me, Still Human
  • 2021 – Start the Conversation… Keep It Going
  • 2020 – We Are The Change

What to Wear on Wear It Purple Day

The obvious answer? Purple! But you don’t need to overhaul your wardrobe. Try:

  • A purple t-shirt or jumper
  • Purple nail polish or hair clips
  • Wear It Purple Day merch like pins or wristbands
  • A splash of purple in your school uniform or work outfit

It’s not about fashion—it’s about making a statement.

How to Celebrate Wear It Purple Day

Whether you’re at school, at work, or online, there are so many ways to get involved.

What Are Some Popular Wear It Purple Day Activities?

  • Purple-themed morning teas or bake-offs
  • Purple fashion parades or “best-dressed” competitions
  • Guest speakers or panel discussions on LGBTQIA+ inclusion
  • School-wide or company-wide photo walls with supportive messages
  • DIY cupcake kits, poster-making stations, or chalk art on pavements
  • Trivia games themed around pride history or LGBTQIA+ trailblazers

At the Workplace

  • Host a purple-themed morning tea
  • Encourage everyone to wear purple
  • Organise a panel talk or invite a guest speaker
  • Share stories from LGBTQIA+ staff (if they’re comfortable)
  • Display inclusive posters or create a Pride corner in the office

At School

  • Get permission from leadership early
  • Set up a celebration team to plan activities
  • Run a purple-themed bake sale or karaoke session
  • Host an assembly or classroom discussion
  • Decorate lockers, halls, or classrooms in purple

Virtual Celebrations

  • Host an online trivia session with LGBTQIA+ history facts
  • Use downloadable purple Zoom backgrounds
  • Run a digital art comp or a "purple selfie" challenge
  • Post support messages and resources on socials using #WearItPurple

Wear It Purple Day Gifting

Looking for a fun, supportive way to spread the love? Our Wear It Purple Day cupcakes and sweet treat boxes are the perfect way to brighten someone's day.

They’re ideal for:

  • Sharing with your workplace team or classroom
  • Sending a surprise to a young person or ally
  • Supporting LGBTQIA+ friends and family in a sweet, thoughtful way

Each gift can come with a personalised message and you can add a burst of confetti to your gift—because this day deserves to be celebrated with colour, pride, and a whole lot of joy. For large events, we have bulk packs available to ensure everyone gets a sweet treat! Explore our Wear It Purple cupcakes and donuts to get started. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re celebrating Wear It Purple Day 2025 with purple hair, rainbow cupcakes, or just by starting a conversation—your actions matter. Let’s create a world where every young person feels safe, seen, and proud to be themselves.

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