Celebrating diversity among their peers
Manea Senior College students wore purple clothes and accessories to school on Friday, not in support of the Fremantle Dockers but of their sexually and gender diverse peers.
It is the second time the school has hosted ‘Wear it Purple Day’, one of the annual fundraisers organised by the college’s student executive.
Year 12 student Alex Berndt said the student executive wanted to create a supportive environment for all students.
“We know that many people may not feel comfortable to express themselves, ” he said.
“We want them to know that it is a safe environment to be who you are.”
The day included lunchtime performances by music and dance students, ‘purple slushies’ and guest speeches about the support services available to students within the school and in the community.
Some of the money raised will go toward Uniting Care West’s True Colours Program, which provides support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and ‘questioning’ young people and their families in the South West.
True Colours safer schools officer Helen Robertson said days such as Wear it Purple helped to counter homophobic and transphobic behaviour in schools.
“Manea are very proactive and students are very supportive and good at participating, ” she said.
“We know that many people may not feel comfortable to express themselves” — Alex Berndt
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