Staff at each health facility in Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma will wear a purple outfit or ribbon to show support and raise awareness of the challenges people face.

 “Same-sex attracted and gender diverse young people often feel alone, isolated and commonly report experiencing bullying, particularly those living in rural and remote areas,” Gemma Hartmann, Sexual Health Nurse for Eurobodalla Sexual Health Service said.

“Wear it Purple Day is a way to show rainbow young they are not alone.”

“Eurobodalla Health Service, including Community Health, welcome same-sex attracted and gender diverse individuals to all of our services,” Lisa Kennedy, General Manager of the Eurobodalla Health Service said.

“On Wear it Purple day, we at the health service reinforce the message and urge the community to reject bullying and harassment based on sexuality or gender identity,” she said.

Wear it Purple want young people everywhere to be proud of who they are and also encourages those who want to show their support to do so by one of more of the following: 

·         Wear purple: show your support

·         Speak up: let people know why you’re wearing purple

·         Spread the love: share photos on #wearitpurple so young people everywhere can feel    the love

·         Challenge yourself: think twice about how you perceive the person in front of you and respect them

·         Don’t settle: if others are disrespectful to, or about, a rainbow young person, don’t let it slide

To check out the Wear it Purple website, or to register an event, go to www.wearitpurple.org

For more information about Eurobodalla Community Health services including the Eurobodalla Sexual Health Service, contact Gemma Hartmann, Sexual Health Nurse, Eurobodalla Sexual Health Service on 0427 219 874, email at gemma.hartmann@gsahs.health.nsw.gov.au