One day a year (additional) attention is paid to sexual diversity within our school. We did this for the first time in 2019 and is now a tradition. Purple Friday is a day when students and students can show their solidarity with homosexuals, bisexuals, lesbians and transgenders by wearing the color purple at school. In the Netherlands the day since 2010 is held every year on the second Friday of December. Purple Friday was inspired by Spirit Day in the United States, which first took place in 2010 as an expression against bullying LGTBQI youngsters.
What are we doing this day?
First we wear purple! By wearing purple, you show tolerance and respect for everyone. You show that you don't care what a person's sexuality, gender identity and gender expression is. You celebrate with us and many other schools in the Netherlands that being yourself is a celebration. For those with no purple in the closet: no need, rainbow colors are a good alternative and otherwise there are also purple ribbons.
As kick-off of the day, the rainbow flag is raised at 8:15 together with the students involved in the organisation. This is happening outside the school building.
Of course, you are encouraged to put purple in other ways as well to express your solidarity. Think purple nail polish, hair spray, or lipstick. All teachers are asked to pay extra attention to this important subject during the lessons. They all do this in their own way.