Rockhampton Police and the Queensland Police Service (QPS) today took part in 'Wear it Purple' Day, promoting the valuable message to the community that LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex) persons are supported by the QPS.

Wear It Purple, now in its third year, has a simple message: You have the right to be proud of who you are.

Rainbow youth are six times more likely to commit suicide with the average age of first attempt being 16 years. For many, this is at an age before they have the courage to come out and ask for help, feeling afraid or isolated.

For the first time, officers and staff around the district took part in the day by wearing rainbow wristbands and purple laces to show their support. It's a small but public demonstration to the community that LGBTI persons have a far larger support base than they may have originally thought.

For more information, please visit WearitPurple.org or contact the Rockhampton Police LGBTI Liaison Officers on 131 444.