Volleyball NSW Celebrates Wear It Purple Day 2025: Be Bold, Be Proud, Be Purple

On Friday 29 August 2025, Volleyball NSW proudly joins the national movement to celebrate Wear It Purple Day, a youth-led initiative that champions visibility, inclusion, and empowerment for LGBTQIA+ young people across Australia.

What Is Wear It Purple Day?

Founded in 2010 by two Sydney students, Wear It Purple Day was created in response to the bullying and discrimination faced by LGBTQIA+ youth. The day has grown into a global movement, observed annually on the last Friday of August, and serves as a powerful reminder that every young person has the right to be proud of who they are.

This year’s theme, “Be Bold, Be Proud, Be Purple,” encourages individuals and communities to stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ youth by embracing diversity and challenging discrimination

Volleyball NSW’s Commitment to Inclusion

At Volleyball NSW, we believe that everyone has a place in our sport—exactly as they are. Through our Volley with Pride initiative, we maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward bullying, harassment, and vilification, including homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. 

Our inclusive practices include:

• Encouraging participants to wear uniforms that align with their affirmed gender identity.
• Partnering with LGBTQIA+ clubs like Freezone Volleyball Club.
• Offering educational sessions in collaboration with Pride in Sport.
• Celebrating days of significance like Wear It Purple Day to raise awareness and foster belonging.

Why It Matters

Despite progress, LGBTQIA+ youth continue to face higher rates of bullying, exclusion, and mental health challenges Wear It Purple Day is more than just wearing a colour—it’s a national statement of inclusion and a promise that every young person deserves to feel safe, valued, and celebrated.

By participating, Volleyball NSW helps create a ripple effect of visibility and acceptance that extends beyond the court and into the broader community.

"Volleyball is built on respect, teamwork, and inclusion. This Wear It Purple Day, we stand with LGBTQIA+ youth to ensure our sport, on and off the court, is safe, welcoming, and empowering for everyone to be their true selves." - Rebecca Walter, Interim CEO Volleyball NSW

How You Can Get Involved

• Wear purple on August 29 to show your support.
• Share your story or listen to others—visibility matters.
• Attend or host inclusive events at your club or school or local community.
• Educate yourself and others about LGBTQIA+ issues.
• Support LGBTQIA+ organisations through donations or volunteering.

Together, we can build a future where every young person feels empowered to live authentically and thrive—on and off the court.