This Friday 30 August is Wear It Purple Day, a day we wear purple to support LGBTIQA+ youth. This year’s theme, “Your Passion, Your Pride,” emphasises the importance of embracing individuality and expressing one’s true self with confidence.
For the occasion, we spoke with Ann Marie Kilpatrick, Director of Clinical Operations of Specialist Consulting and Health Information at Monash Medical Centre, Monash Children’s Hospital and Moorabbin Hospital, and mother of Rory, a member of the LGBTIQA+ community.
Q: Ann Marie, could you share a bit about what this day means to you?
Ann Marie: My son Rory came out as gay when he was 12. When he told us at the dinner table. I believe he was expecting a big fight, or to be thrown out of the house; but we were fully supportive.
Rory’s on the autism spectrum and understanding and expressing what’s considered “normal” by society can be challenging. This means same-sex relationships aren’t as widely seen in community, so he was conflicted for a while. But our family embraced him completely—even his very conservative grandparents. It was important for Rory to know that being true to himself was what mattered most.
Q: How has visibility and participating in events like Pride impacted Rory?
Ann Marie: It’s been incredible for him. When he finally decided to attend a Pride event last year, it was a revelation. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend, but he insisted on going and at 18 he saw firsthand that being openly gay could be something to celebrate. He was buzzing with joy, and it really helped him understand that not all experiences have to be negative. This year, he was eager to go again, and this time we went together. It’s something we plan to continue doing every year.
Q: As a senior member of Monash Health, how do you see the importance of Wear It Purple Day?
Ann Marie: Visibility is crucial, especially in an organisation like Monash Health. It’s important to show that we accept everyone for who they are—staff, patients, everyone. By participating in Wear It Purple Day, whether by wearing purple or decorating our areas, we send a strong message of support to queer youth.  It’s a simple act, but it can have a significant impact on those who need it most.
Q: What advice would you give to others about participating in Wear It Purple Day?
Ann Marie: I’d encourage everyone to get involved. You don’t need a direct connection to the LGBTIQA+ community to show your support. Wearing purple or decorating your workspace helps spread the word and fosters a culture of inclusivity. It’s one of the many ways we can make a difference and create a welcoming environment for all.
This Wear It Purple Day, let’s all take a moment to stand with our queer youth. By embracing visibility, we can ensure that everyone feels accepted and proud of who they are.