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Wear It Purple Day (WIPD) 2025 was celebrated across EnergyAustralia this week, with gatherings in support of LGBTQA+ youth and the sharing of personal stories by our LGBTQA+ team members and their allies.
Feeling able and empowered to bring your whole self to work is something that is easy to take for granted, but it’s not that simple. For many, especially young people in the LGBTQA+ community, feeling supported, safe and seen is a vital and empowering step that leads to not just acceptance but celebration.
Wear It Purple was founded in 2010 in response to global stories of the heartache experienced by young people, many of whom took their own lives after being bullied or harassed for their sexuality or gender identity. It has now developed into an international movement, with the continuous message that everybody has the right to be proud of who they are.
At EnergyAustralia, we’ve marked WIPD for a decade and it’s one of our most popular and well-attended events – with our purple tshirts a popular clothing option on the day. It’s all part of our commitment to driving a culture of care and belonging, where everyone is able to be at their best.
Julie Bale, Executive Sponsor of EnergyAustralia’s internal Prism Network community, says Wear It Purple Day is a powerful symbol of support for LGBTQA+ young people.
“Wear it Purple encourages communities to create safe and inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. By wearing purple, people show solidarity and help combat the bullying, isolation, and mental health challenges that LGBTQA+ youth disproportionately face,” said Julie.
Prism Network co-chairs Lauren Horwood and Jane Woolard agreed that WIPD is a big day on the LGBTQA+ calendar.
“The aim of WIPD 2025 is to unite LGBTQA+ youth and allies to shine a light on the thousands of organisations and workplaces that are helping to create a more inclusive future for all Australians,” said Lauren.
“My experience is that days like WIPD create a genuine sense of community and safe spaces for the LGBTQA+ youth to feel seen, heard & supported. You can’t help but notice purple everywhere you look!”
Jane said being an active ally and co-chair for the Prism Network has shown that days like WIPD are as important as ever, and even though we’ve all come a long way, there’s still more to do.
“Whether you’re in the LGBTQA+ community, an ally, or know somebody who is either, WIPD is an opportunity to come together to reflect, celebrate and continue to support and enable all our rainbow communities to live, love and thrive as the best most authentic version of themselves.”