Wear It Purple Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility, acceptance, and support for LGBTIQA+ youth.
At SMART Recovery Australia, we provide inclusive and accessible support through our peer-led LGBTIQA+ meetings. Participants who attend these meetings, can access a safe space in a non-judgemental and supportive environment.
This year’s Wear It Purple Day theme, ‘Your Passion, Your Pride,’ encourages everyone to embrace their true selves and pursue their passions openly. On Wear It Purple Day, we are committed to uniting, showing LGBTIQA+ communities that they are seen, valued, and supported.
Championing Inclusive Support Every Day and Especially on Wear It Purple Day
At the core of SMART Recovery Australia’s mission is the belief that everyone deserves a supportive and inclusive environment. Especially when facing the challenges of managing behaviours of concerns and seeking recovery support.
For LGBTIQA+ individuals, these challenges are often intensified by societal stigma and discrimination, leading to higher rates of mental health issues and substance use.
Recent AIHW data shows, for instance, that transgender and gender-diverse people report higher levels of risky alcohol consumption and illicit drug use compared to their cisgender counterparts.
SMART Recovery Australia’s LGBTIQA+ Meetings were created to meet this need, offering a safe, inclusive space specifically designed for LGBTIQA+ individuals. Facilitated by people from diverse genders and sexualities, the program provides empathy, understanding, and a shared sense of community.
Wear It Purple Day holds deep significance for our CEO, April Long, who sees it as a powerful statement of support for LGBTIQA+ youth.
“It’s about more than visibility; it’s about telling young people they matter,” they explain.
“This day reinforces why inclusive spaces like SMART Recovery Australia’s LGBTIQA+ Program are vital - allowing participants to work on their recovery in an environment where they can be their true selves without fear of judgement.
“By participating in Wear It Purple Day, SMART Recovery Australia reaffirms its commitment to being a safe, welcoming space for the LGBTIQA+ community. Our involvement in this day sends a clear message: we support you, and we’re here for you.”
Leading with Pride: Our CEO’s journey
Growing up in Narara, our CEO April Long navigated a world with few visible LGBTIQA+ role models and even fewer rainbow families.
“It was challenging to be what I couldn’t see,” they recall.
Realising their place in the LGBTIQA+ community at 14, it wasn’t until university that they found a true sense of belonging.
“University was where I found my community - supportive allies who loved me unconditionally and helped me come out,” they share.
“Coming out as non-binary has presented new challenges, especially with the current politics surrounding gender,” they note. Despite these obstacles, April remains hopeful.
“I’ve learned that it really does get better if you surround yourself with community and support.”
The CEO’s personal journey has profoundly shaped their professional life, particularly their commitment to inclusion and diversity at SMART Recovery Australia.
“My own journey has made me realise the importance of visibility,” they say. “I choose to be loud and proud because it’s crucial for young people to see role models who reflect their identities.”
For April, their work is about ensuring that everyone in the community is seen, heard, and supported. “Representation matters, and I want to show that it’s possible to be your authentic self while achieving your dreams.”
Join the movement and Wear It Purple
Today is more than a celebration - it’s a call to action.
It’s a day to stand with the LGBTIQA+ community, celebrate diversity, and commit to making our world a more inclusive place.
We’re proud to be part of this movement, offering programs that provide vital support to those who need it most.
If you or someone you know is experiencing problematic behaviours, we invite you to explore SMART Recovery’s LGBTIQA+ Program.
Join a community that understands your journey and is dedicated to helping you find your path to recovery. On Wear It Purple Day, let’s celebrate our diversity and continue working towards a future where everyone can live with pride and purpose.
