Embrace @ The Kids Research Institute Australia proudly participated in a webinar for Rio Tinto staff to mark Wear It Purple Day today.
The Kids Research Institute Australia investigator Associate Professor Bep Uink, also of Murdoch University’s Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre, discussed the recently published Walkern Katatdjin (Rainbow Knowledge) Phase 2 Community Report’s findings with attendees.
In the theme of the annual event, Bep also discussed how she wrote her story, and how she came to be working at the intersection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and LGBTQA+ mental health and social and emotional wellbeing.
Bep’s recently released Walkern Katatdjin report received funding as one of six winners of the Embrace 2022 Research Awards. The report launch also received support from the Embrace team.
Members of Rio Tinto’s Thrive Community, Teghan Britton-Lee and Hannah Thetford also shared their personal journeys as ally and member of the LGBTQA+ community respectively.
“We all have a story, we have an ability to direct, deliver and design the story in our own unique ways,” Teghan told Embrace when reflecting on Wear It Purple Day’s 2023 theme of “Write your story”.
But in sharing our story, it can start a chapter of understanding and support for someone else. It also helps you appreciate the journey you have been on and what you can self-reflect on, be proud of and leave as a gift for others.
Hannah Thetford told the webinar of 200 attendees that growing up with different interests was not without its challenges.
“But I’m very strong minded and I knew exactly what I wanted to do and I didn’t let it impact me,” Hannah said.
“Stay true to yourself and its okay to be different and enjoy different things.”
Rio Tinto’s Thrive network is a community of the organisation’s LGBTQ+ staff and allies.
Hannah told attendees that the network was a “space where we can speak openly about our challenges and not be scared, (because) as a collective we can support each other through times of adversity”.
Wear it Purple Day is an opportunity to celebrate young people, champion inclusivity and reflect on the work that still needs to be done to support the wellbeing of LGBTQA+ young people.
Embrace is supported by its principal partner, Rio Tinto.
Associate Professor Bep Uink offered her expertise at the Wear It Purple webinar.