Each year on August 26, TPG Telecom celebrates Wear it Purple day; a day that strives to create and promote safe, empowering and inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth in Australia. This year’s theme of ‘Still me, still human’ seeks to remind us that behind the labels, news stories and data are real people - and that we’re all still human. TPG Telecom is a founding member of InterRetail, a network of retail employers inspiring positive social change for LGBTQIA+ communities, and this year we’ve decided to partner with Minus18, a not-forprofit Australian charity that aims to provide LGBTQIA+ youth with desperately needed programs and resources. We spoke with members of Minus18 and InterRetail about why this year it’s more important than ever to contribute to such a great cause.

Eva (she/her), Minus18

Eva is the Fundraising Relationships Coordinator at Minus18 and is responsible for providing fundraisers with information and resources to help ensure their fundraising efforts are successful. Eva always had a passion for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and was inspired to join Minus18 to further that passion. “My queer and trans identities are a core part of who I am, and the experiences I had growing up – both positive and negative – inspired me to get involved in ensuring the future of LGBTQIA+ young people, both in Australia and beyond, is one that’s free from discrimination.” Eva found that working at Minus18 is not only a fun experience, but also a great way to make a measurable and powerful difference for LGBTQIA+ youth. “It means so much to be able to see the impact of my work in real time, and to be able to have a great time while making that impact!”

Minus18 originally started by hosting youth events, such as the annual Queer Formals held around Australia which bring together hundreds of LGBTQIA+ youth to party and connect in a safe affirming space. During the pandemic, Minus18 also introduced online events. “Our online events are great for connecting queer young people from all across Australia – something that was invaluable over the last few years!”

Part of the reason why Minus18 is such an essential charity is the education and training they provide in schools and workplaces to ensure that LGBTQIA+ students and employees can thrive in a safe, inclusive and welcoming space. “From the 101s of gender and sexuality through to more advanced training in supporting the trans and gender diverse community, our education team has all your questions covered!” Minus18 also recently started running a Young Leaders program for LGBTQIA+ people aged between 18-25 years old. “The Young Leaders program equips LGBTQIA+ youth to build their skills, confidence and social connection – empowering them to be the next generation of leaders.”

For Eva, the most rewarding part of Minus18 is seeing the impact of her work, day in, day out. “Whether it’s a young person getting to have their first dance with their partner at one of our Queer Formals, or witnessing the passion of allies and advocates, every day is a reminder of the impact we’re making, and the support we’re thankful to receive.”

Jas (he/they), Vodafone Australia retail team & TPG Telecom Connect Committee

Jas is a member of the retail team at Vodafone Australia, as well as a member of TPG Telecom’s pride Network and Committee, Connect: LGBTQI+ Friends. It’s important to Jas that organisations such as TPG Telecom participate in Wear it Purple Day in order to show their support and create visibility around issues facing LGBTQIA+ youth in Australia. “Seeing more companies like TPG Telecom participate in Wear it Purple Day signifies that they are a safe company to go to. As a queer young person, I will know going in that I will be respected and feel safe, knowing there are organisations actively supporting my community.”

During their time in the retail industry working for various retailers, Jas experienced an absence of queer people in leadership positions, as well as a lack of initiative being taken to celebrate diversity and LGBTQIA+ events. “I am very glad to see initiatives like TPG Telecom collaborating with big companies like Woolworths, Coles and Ampol to create InterRetail, actively showing that there is work being done. While this is an amazing start, I am looking forward to working to reach further inclusion within and outside of the company.”

For Jas, organisations can do more to help young LGBTQIA+ Australians by providing company training on LGBTQIA+ issues, donating to and building meaningful partnerships with queer-owned companies and foundations. “Minus18 is a really great example as the funds do go towards providing resources like information about sexuality and gender identity, even a life-affirming Queer Formal for free and education resources to Australian classrooms. If there can be more support for that, they will be well informed and happier. Having that assurance in education is so vital.”

Mia (she/her), TPG Telecom Connect Committee & InterRetail

Mia is the Community Outreach Lead at InterRetail, as well as a member of the TPG Telecom Inclusion and Belonging team. InterRetail was founded in January 2021 as a collaborative organisation of Australian retailers attempting to drive change and take the opportunity to reflect the diversity of employees, customers, and communities better. “Our mission as a stream is to support local and regional communities by giving our attention, time and energy to raise awareness, spotlight these community groups and drive change. Our fundraiser supporting Minus18 is a perfect example of something our stream is bringing to life.”

Mia believes that to support LGBTQIA+ youth in Australia, Minus18 is a great charity to partner with this Wear it Purple Day. “What stood out to us about Minus18 was their vibrancy and the significant difference they’re making for LGBTQIA+ youth and Australian communities – we wanted to be part of the bold change they’re creating.”