Hume Police District officers to wear purple for the LGBTI

Wear It Purple day in an annual event where police officers wear purple to remind the public that bullying and harassment still exist, particularly for people in the LGBTI community.

The message this year is to start the conversation and to keep it going.

The public is also welcome to do the same themselves on Friday, August 27.

READ ALSO: Mayor ponders the sounds of silence over Bungonia waste to energy planning

Hume Police District's LGBTIQ liaison officer Alison Brennan said the day has a wonderful effect on the issue of discrimination towards that community.

"We love engaging with young people regarding these issues," inspector Brennan said.

"Studies have revealed that LGBTI young people are seven times more likely to attempt suicide than other at-risk groups.

READ ALSO: We rang the COVID-19 hotline so you don't have to

"This statistic gets even higher among the transgender youth or those who are specific targets of discrimination.

"It's just as important in regional areas for police to reinforce support for diversity, particularly among young people."

Having joined the movement in 2012 after young people, mainly volunteers, started it two years earlier, police understand what those in the LGBTI community go through.

"Many young people may not identify with any particular group but have a feeling that they're different," inspector Brennan said.

READ ALSO: Local schools receive funding for pedestrian safety upgrades

"It's vital that we make sure they know that being different is okay.

"Our police are trained to understand the terminology, concepts and issues within the community so that no matter how you identify, you can be confident there is someone within our organisation you can go to for help."

People can show their support for this initiative by wearing something purple this Friday.

For more information, visit https://www.wearitpurple.org/.

Did you know the Goulburn Post is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up below.