By Henry Walsh
TAFE Radio hosted an outdoor broadcast to celebrate Wear It Purple Day 2024 on Friday, August 30, where the community comes together to celebrate and support LGBTQ+ youth and their allies.
The sun was shining and the students decked out in their favourite purple outfits, everyone extremely excited for their first-ever outdoor radio broadcast on this very special day.
I talked to some of the students in the lead-up to their first-ever live show, which ran from 11am to 2pm, and there was a mix of emotion in the air.
Jay and Ari, hosting the broadcast’s first shift, said they were feeling pumped.
“We’ve done our run-through and know our lines, it’s just a matter of saying them now,” said Ari.
“There’s a few nerves but knowing I’m collaborating with my classmates who are also doing their first-ever broadcast has put us at ease,” said Jay.
Wilma and Connie, scheduled to deliver the first segment, said: “We’re feeling prepared and excited but also a little nervous seeing as it’s our first-ever live broadcast, we’re also really happy to be a part of this great cause.”
Duane, who was working behind the scenes, said: “It’s a beautiful day to be wearing purple, the set-up looks great and I’m really excited to be part of the celebrations.”
Bailey and Hudson, scheduled to host a shift starting at 11.45am, were also feeling very keen.
“I’m feeling good and confident, I’m looking forward to being on the airwaves,” said Bailey.
“We practised and are feeling prepared, we’ll be discussing the day and what it means to us as students, we’ve got a few jokes too,” said Hudson.
I also had a chat with TAFE music performance student Xavier, who was performing a number of original and cover songs.
“This morning I was a bit nervy but now that I’m here I’m feeling good and the vibes are strong,” said Xavier.
Wear It Purple Day aims to show young rainbow people across the globe there is hope and that they are supported and love for being who they are. By wearing purple you are showing your support and solidarity for LGBTQ+ young within the community.
It has grown from a small movement to a global phenomenon with young people around the world being empowered to be proud of themselves and their respective identities.
Featured image: Wilma and Connie chat with TAFE Radio hosts Ari and Jay at the outside broadcast. Photo: Henry Walsh