Staff across Northern Sydney Local Health District got out their purple ribbons, socks and stickers to celebrate another year of Wear it Purple Day. 

Wear it Purple Day is an initiative that strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for young people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+). 

NSLHD Chief Executive Deb Willcox said the district is committed to delivering high quality, safe, inclusive and responsive healthcare for all LGBTQI+ young people.

“This year’s theme – ‘Still me, still human’ – captures the message of humanity, honesty, integrity and authenticity when discussing the diverse identities within the LGBTQI+ community," Deb said.

NSLHD participated in the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) for the first time this year and were the only local health district to do so. The AWEI is the definitive national benchmark on LGBTQI+ workplace inclusion and measures the overall impact of inclusion initiatives on organisational culture as well as identifying and non-identifying employees. 

Director of Organisational Development and Capability Christine Tait-Lees said the district performed particularly well in areas such a creating awareness of LGBTQI+ issues, building strategy for LGBTQI+ inclusion and the employee network. 

“We still have work to do as an organisation to meet the Bronze standard and aim to continue to take NSLHD on the journey,” Chris said. 

“We all have a part to play and ally ship is one of the best things we can build.”

The LGBTQI+ employee resource network brings together staff who are LGBTQI+ and LGBTQI+ allies to create a workplace culture that respects all diversity.

For more information or to find out how you can get involved contact NSLHD-ODTeam@health.nsw.gov.au.