For Debbie, who works in the People Experience team at TPG Telecom, the annual Wear it Purple day is a pivotal event for young LGBTQI+ people.
“Wear it Purple day brings awareness to others about our young people and their choices to be themselves; and that it’s not always an easy choice for them to allow others in on their choices. Wear it Purple also helps to give our young people the resources and support to let them be themselves,” said Debbie.
Now in its 11th year, the day was founded in response to teenagers around the world taking their lives following bullying and harassment that resulted from a lack of acceptance of their sexuality of gender identity. The underlying principle is that everybody has the right to be proud of who they are.
Sam has been with TPG Telecom for two years in the retail team.
“Wear It Purple Day is all about generating awareness and starting a conversation. For me, it is about continuing the great strides that previous generations have made to bring LGBTQI+ rights to the forefront and ensuring that the most at risk from the LGBTQI+ community are protected,” said Sam.
In Australia today 75% of LGBTQI+ youth will experience harassment because of their identity. These teenagers are up to 12 times more likely to experience depression and up to 5 times more likely to experience anxiety because of the harassment.
Wear it Purple is now a global movement in support of LGBTQI+ youth to foster supportive, safe empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people.
TPG Telecom is proud to mark the day.
“It’s essential that companies like TPG Telecom support Wear It Purple day because they bring to light that we support LGBTQI inclusion. It’s fantastic when big companies demonstrate that they’re not afraid to show they care,” said Debbie.
“As a parent of a child that has gone through so much with finding their sexuality and knowing and learning through them how difficult their life has been and continues to be, I am so happy that TPG Telecom supports Wear it Purple day and puts a spotlight to the issues that rainbow young people continue to face.”
Sam has a slightly different perspective.
“It will always be important for large companies such as TPG Telecom, to acknowledge the diversity and talent that makes up its workforce, because this shows that people are accepted where they work, and in turn can take greater pride in their workplace,” said Sam.
“By TPG Telecom supporting the day, this gives teams the recognition that they’re welcome in the company, and that those that are LGBTQI+ are being seen and heard. It’s bringing together the TPG Telecom spirit and pride culture; this brings a unique perspective to both employees and the company, of what TPG Telecom is, and that is and always has been……its people.”
In 2021, TPG Telecom has partnered with Minus18, a not-for-profit Australian charity that is changing the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth in Australia. Minus18 is leading the change, building social inclusion, and advocating for an Australia where all young people are safe, empowered, and surrounded by people that support them.
Kristy Kelly is TPG Telecom’s Head of Leadership, Culture and Inclusion and Belonging.
“I’m thrilled that we’re partnering with Minus18 and I urge people to contribute what they can and support this worthy cause. The statistics are alarming for rainbow youth. Wear It Purple Day and organisations like Minus18 are vital to put a focus on LGBTQI+ youth and to ensure young people receive the support they need – especially because they’re still being subjected to harassment just for being themselves,” said Kristy.
These funds will help make the world a better place for LGBTIQ+ youth by:
“My hope for Wear It Purple Day is that within a pandemic, and other domestic and global challenges happening around the world, we can still open up the conversation to acknowledge and discuss the importance of looking out for each other, and that the work of keeping the community and the workplace accepting of those that are LGBTQI+ continues,” said Sam.