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Wear It Purple Day – Colours of Courage

Posted on August 28, 2026

This Friday, 28 August, Open Access College will acknowledge Wear It Purple Day, celebrating LGBTQIA+ young people and promoting safe, supportive and inclusive environments where everyone can feel comfortable being themselves.

This year’s theme: Colours of Courage

“Courage is not just expressed in big moments, but in everyday choices to live proudly and invite others into understanding, acceptance and celebration.”

Colours of Courage recognises the many ways courage is shown by LGBTQIA+ young people, allies and communities every day. Courage can mean speaking up and creating change, but it can also be found in quieter moments – living authentically, asking for support, standing beside someone or choosing pride and hope when being yourself doesn't always feel easy.

The theme celebrates the diversity of identities, experiences and stories within LGBTQIA+ communities, while recognising the importance of allies in helping create safer, more inclusive spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

At OAC, our staff will wear purple on Friday as a visible sign of inclusion, acceptance and belonging across our College.

We will also be supporting the Rainbow Shoelace Project, which encourages people to show their support for LGBTQIA+ inclusion through colourful rainbow shoelaces and beads. Find out more about the project here: Rainbow Shoelace Project

We’d love to see you wearing purple and showing your support! 💜🌈

Wear It Purple Day is officially held on Saturday 29 August 2026; however, Open Access College will be acknowledging the day on Friday 28 August.