Plenty of purple was promenaded as Castlemaine Secondary College raised its first-ever rainbow flag with pride on Friday.
A party atmosphere prevailed as Castlemaine Secondary College celebrated Wear It Purple Day in support of young LGBTIQ local students and others beyond the local community.
“Wear it Purple Day is about showing rainbow young people, and everybody around us, that they have the right to be proud of who they are,” college principal Paule Frye said.
“We are thrilled to raise our first rainbow flag,” the principal said during celebrations with VIP guests including Mount Alexander Shire mayor Bronwen Machin, Cr Christine Henderson, Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards and members of ChillOut who supported the event.
The rainbow flag has become an internationally recognisable symbol for the gay rights movement and is associated with love, and tolerance and peace.
“All things that every community should strive for,” Mr Frye said.
“This flag is a really important symbol that we will have flying at the front of our school alongside the Australian Flag, the Torres Strait Islander flag and the Aboriginal flag.”
The local college is a member of Safe Schools Coalition Victoria and Friday’s event was promoted and supported by Castlemaine Secondary College Diversity Group.
Student and Diversity group member Liv Hocking was among the many enjoying the lunchtime event.
“It’s great to know we are supported by our school and community as a whole,” Liv said.
“It can make all the difference – just to be able to be yourself.”
