Friday the 27th of February was Purple Friday. For those of you who don’t know what that is, it is a day celebrated on the last Friday of February to mark the end of the end of LGBTQIA+ history month.
During Purple Friday North Ayrshire Youth Work stands together with LGBT youth Scotland to give young people hope for the future. Hope that the world will be a brighter place where everyone is valued and supported for who they are without having to change for anyone.
The North Ayrshire youth executive committee teamed up to share uplifting messages for the LGBTQIA+ community in not just North Ayrshire but the entirety of who sees it.
A huge shout out to the Garnock Valley Umbrella Group based at our very school. They held their own bake sale and raised an amazing £185 for LGBT youth Scotland. What is even more impressive is that our local councillor Margret Johnson attended.
She shared: “Thank you to Garnock Community Campus for having us this purple Friday. Not only today, but all year round, we are proud to ensure that children and young people’s rights and visibility are at the heart of school life. Youth groups like this one operating in our schools are also a brilliant example of #UNCRCNorthAyrshire in action and how we are supporting pupils to realise their potential, speak truth to power and be their true and authentic selves. I am proud of the local young people who are sending a visible message of acceptance. Well done to the young people who baked at home, decorated the stall and made a positive impact in the school today. The money raised will now be sent to further the inclusion efforts of LGBT Youth Scotland.”
Young People’s Champion, Councillor Chloé Robertson said: “Well done to the Garnock Valley Umbrella Group for raising almost £190 this Purple Friday and thank you to the Youth Executive for their uplifting words to the LGBT community. Life for LGBT young people can be difficult to navigate. That’s why being a visible ally for them is so important. This is exactly what this inspiring group of young people do, providing a safe and non-judgemental space where young people can be themselves. Meeting every Friday lunchtime in Garnock Campus, the group are doing a fantastic job alongside Voices of Pride Monday evening group to raise awareness of the support available for LGBT young people in Garnock Valley. They were really professional today, providing a warming and upbeat atmosphere to sell their home baked goods and raise funds for a worthy cause.”
Please remember that support is available if you need it – for info on LGBT groups near you, drop us a DM or email: youthwork@north-ayrshire.gov.uk
If you’re an LGBT young person aged between 13 to 25 in Scotland and you’re struggling with your gender identity or your sexual orientation, support is available via the LGBT Youth Scotland live chat: https://lgbtyouth.org.uk/get-support/live-chat/
By Karis Harwood