Today is 'Wear it Purple Day' an annual event to show LGBTIQ+ young people that they have the right to be proud of who they are.
As part of the day there will be a Virtual Pride Party featuring Eurovision and Australia Decides stars Montaigne and Electric Fields (as well as other stars including G-Flip).
Both Montaigne and Electric Fields identify as part of the the LGBTIQ+ community.
Young people (aged 12-19) can join the ticketed zoom party (details here) while for us oldies, you can check it our via Facebook live on their page.
There's no coincidence that Eurovision stars and this event collide.The aim of 'Wear it Purple Day' is to create safe spaces in schools, universities, workplaces and public spaces to show LGBTIQ+ young people that they are seen and supported.
Eurovision itself and the fan community is often seen as a safe space for many LGBTIQ+ fans, particularly those under the age of 25.
In our 2019 Aussievision Fan Survey we found 55% of Australian fans identified as LGBTIQ+.
It's not only the general fan base, here at Aussievision many of us are also part of the rainbow spectrum.
Over the years Eurovision has seen the fight for LGBTIQ+ equality play out on its stage.
From Dana International's history making win in 1997 to Conchita Wurst in 2014 (among a backdrop of fans protesting some nation's policies), Eurovision has always been a place of safety and progression for many artists and fans.
We also want to pay homage to other Australian Decides stars from the LGBTIQ+ community: Courtney Act, Alfie Arcuri, Jack Vidgen and iOTA plus Australia's Eurovision commentator Joel Creasey.
We hope fans and stars alike can come together to show support, celebration pride and to donate if you can: https://www.wearitpurple.org/donate
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