Wear It Purple Day Theme 2023
WRITE YOUR STORY
25.08.23
"WRITE YOUR STORY" AS OUR 2023 THEME WAS GENERATED BY OUR YOUTH ACTION COUNCIL, PLACING EMPHASIS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL EXPRESSION AND INDIVIDUALITY FOR RAINBOW YOUTH.
IN A WORLD WHERE SOCIAL MEDIA, THE MEDIA AND OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM OFTEN CREATES PRESSURE TO CONFORM TO NORMS, BROKEN STRUCTURES AND CERTAIN STANDARDS, OUR THEME HOPES TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO EMBRACE THEIR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES AND TO SHARE THEIR STORIES WITH OTHERS.
Artwork by Lawson ‘Wukawe’ Dodd (Kaurna / Narungga / Ngarrindjeri)
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Lawson Dodd is an Artist / Graphic Designer who aims to push the boundaries of First Nations Artwork through his creations. He is a proud Kaurna/Narungga/Ngarrindjeri man whose strengths in digital media allow him to take a modern approach to his artwork whilst incorporating traditional customs and meaning. His talents were recently recognised when he was awarded ‘NAIDOC SA Artist of the Year 2022’. Lawson’s strengths are communication, creativity and compassion. Lawson is always keen to take his skills to the next level with every new and exciting project.
It was so meaningful to be involved with Wear It Purple this year as I have celebrated the day many times in the past. I feel it is a visual beacon of hope, love and support for LGBTQIA+ youth everywhere. This year's theme of ‘Write Your Story’ resonates with me because I am a big supporter of people following their own path and choosing what’s right for them. Just like in most stories, life has many challenges and it’s about how we choose to overcome these challenges that allows us the freedom to write our own story.
VISIBILITY
‘Write your Story’ promotes Visibility – allowing LGBTQIA+ youth to see themselves represented in the world around them. Crucial for those who may feel isolated, marginalised, or uncertain of their place in the world, as it can help to validate their experiences and provide a sense of belonging through expression and connection. When LGBTQIA+ youth share their lived experiences, they become part of a broader cultural narrative that can help to challenge negative stereotypes and promote greater understanding and acceptance.
Image: Sophie Saville | The Story Mill
Image: Sophie Saville | The Story Mill
COMMUNITY
‘Write your Story’ promotes Community – through sharing a connection to others who have had similar experiences and create a sense of belonging that builds community for our LGBTQIA+ youth. At Wear It Purple one of our core focuses is to provide opportunities for this collaboration and to create supportive environments. This is especially important for those who may feel isolated or unsupported in their everyday lives – when LGBTQIA+ youth come together to share their stories, they can create a powerful sense of solidarity and support to help promote resilience.
ACCEPTANCE
‘Write your Story’ promotes Acceptance – Sharing lived experiences can also promote acceptance by challenging negative stereotypes and fostering empathy. When non-LGBTQIA+ people hear about the experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth, it can help to humanise their struggles, their successes, their challenges and their joy. This leads to great understanding, acceptance, and support, all crucial for safety and wellbeing.
Image: Sophie Saville | The Story Mill