Topic: Health
Australian schools are invited to wear purple on Wear it Purple Day. But how well do these schools support students who identify as gender or sexuality diverse? Research shows that many GSD students face bullying and discrimination.
Today is Wear it Purple Day, a day when high schools and universities across Australia encourage students and staff to wear purple clothing to show support for young people who are gender- and sexuality-diverse (GSD).
This initiative started in 2010 to help GSD youth deal with widespread discrimination and bullying. Many kids and teachers will be wearing purple T-shirts and headbands today.
But how well do Australian schools actually include GSD students? Research shows that about 9.5% of 16-24-year-olds identify as GSD, compared to 7.5% of 25-34-year-olds and 3.9% of 35-44-year-olds. In fact, some research suggests that up to 20% of young people in this age group might be GSD.
Schools can play a big role in supporting or hurting GSD students. If school cultures assume being straight and cisgender are the norm, it can make environments hostile for GSD students. But schools that offer inclusive environments can help GSD students feel more at home.
Unfortunately, research shows that many Australian schools don't do enough to support GSD students. A 2021 national study found that GSD young people reported common homophobic language and a lack of response from school staff when they faced discrimination.
School education about gender diversity and sexuality is crucial to promote inclusion. But surveys show that this isn't happening reliably in Australian schools. In fact, only 23% of high school students surveyed in 2026 said they learned about GSD issues in their relationships and sexual health education at school.
Why It Matters
This issue matters because it affects many young people in Australia who are struggling with bullying and discrimination. By understanding the challenges faced by GSD students, we can work towards creating more inclusive schools that support everyone's diversity.
Key Facts
- Wear it Purple Day is celebrated on August 28th to show support for gender- and sexuality-diverse (GSD) young people.
- About 9.5% of 16-24-year-olds in Australia identify as GSD, compared to 7.5% of 25-34-year-olds and 3.9% of 35-44-year-olds.
- Schools can play a big role in supporting or hurting GSD students by creating inclusive environments or perpetuating discriminatory attitudes.
- Only 23% of high school students surveyed in 2026 said they learned about GSD issues in their relationships and sexual health education at school.
- The number of young people identifying as GSD is growing steadily, with some research suggesting up to 20% of 18-24-year-olds might be GSD.
Key Terms
- GSD
- Gender- and sexuality-diverse, referring to individuals who identify outside the traditional categories of male/female or straight/heterosexual.
Implications
This issue matters because it affects many young people in Australia who are struggling with bullying and discrimination. By understanding the challenges faced by GSD students, we can work towards creating more inclusive schools that support everyone's diversity.
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