Wearing it purple for LGBTQI young people

28 August 2015

Today, we’ve given ReachOut.com (not to mention our employees) a one-day makeover: everyone, and everything, is purple.

We love any good dress-up day, but Wear It Purple Day is one of our favourites because it’s in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning and intersex (LGBTQI) young people.

Supporting LGBTQI young people is a key focus for ReachOut. Every month around 60,000 young Australians access ReachOut, and as many as one quarter of them identify as LGBTQI.

“LGBTQI young people can feel isolated or that they have no one to talk to. With a suicide rate that’s much higher than that of their heterosexual peers, it’s incredibly important that mental health support is available to them where and when they need it,” said Jono Nicholas, CEO of ReachOut Australia.

This week was made even more purple as Sydney’s Harbour City Bears (HCB) recognised our work with LGBTQI young people by handing over a giant cheque in support of ReachOut.

The funds were raised by the HCB Cubs group at their monthly Press Paws ‘gayming’ events – a social event for younger members of the bear community.

Press Paws Gayme Master Daniel and HCB Vice-President Robb Barwick handed over a cheque to ReachOut at the August Press Paws event (see photo above-centre).

“We’re pleased that we can help out and support ReachOut, and their important work with youth. Many LGBTQI young people need support at some time, and it’s great that there are services like ReachOut that are accessible and sensitised to their needs” said Robb Barwick.

ReachOut CEO Jono Nicholas said, “It’s great to have the support of the Harbour City Bears, and it means a lot to us that their donation has come from one young person to another through the Bears’ ‘Press Paws’ youth events.

“With the Harbour City Bears’ donation we can do even more to connect LGBTQI young people with the help and support to deal with tough times.”

Check out more from our mates at the Harbour City Bears, and from Wear It Purple on their website and on Facebook.