The 2019 theme is 'Stand up, stand out' - a clear message to young people to be visible and proud of who they are.

Our job as police is to support ALL young people to feel safe and secure, to be themselves.

This event is an excellent opportunity for community engagement and crime prevention - specifically highlighting the prevention of homophobic and transphobic bullying and violence, and their impact on young people.

The NSW Police Force have made youth issues a priority, and as police we can play a vital role in supporting all LGBTQI community members in their right to be proud of who they are.

The annual Wear It Purple Day was started by two school students in 2010 and has now grown into an international celebration; spreading the simple message that 'you have the right to be proud of who you are'.

Wear it Purple promotes the idea that every young person is unique and should therefore be celebrated for who they are within a safe and supportive environment.

Your police will be out and about promoting this day as we believe everyone has the right to feel comfortable, safe and accepted in the community.

We are pleased to show our support for young people, to let them know that they are supported and understood; and as a community we can work together to eliminate bullying.

The day is a reminder that bullying and discrimination still exist, however it is also an opportunity to celebrate the growing culture of acceptance and understanding of sexuality, gender diverse and intersex people in the NSW Police Force and in the community.

So next Friday, expect to see police wearing purple wrist bands, and if you look hard enough, you may even see one or two police officers wearing a purple police shirt.