Thursday, 27 August 2026

 Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:54): Tomorrow is Wear It Purple Day, a day to remind LGBTIQA+ young people that they are loved, valued, seen and supported. This year’s theme is ‘Colours of courage’. I want to reflect on a story I heard today from entertainer and queer icon Reuben Kaye. Behind that dazzling smile is real courage. Reuben recently shared that a stranger messaged him on social media, threatening to set him on fire if he came to his town. As public queer people, we know that we have two options in this situation: block and delete or fight. Incredibly, Reuben chose to talk. The conversation ended with the man apologising, after he disclosed that his brother was out but not ‘in your face about it’. In an age of sheer rage, here is an out and proud gay man showing empathy to someone who wanted to harm him. Not every homophobic interaction ends like this, but I would like to acknowledge the courage it took Reuben to do this and the courage it takes to practise pride every day. I hope that tomorrow all of you will have the courage to wear purple, talk to others about it, post it on social media and do so to let young people, particularly LGBTIQA+ young people, know that they can be visible with you.