Limestone Coast Connect, the region’s only LGBTIQA+ community group, is calling for the wider community to support Wear it Purple day on August 26.

Limestone Coast Connect Chair Patrick Smith said “Wear it Purple’’ was founded in 2010 in response to global stories of real teenagers, real heartache and their real responses.

Mr Smith said several rainbow young people took their own lives in 2010 following bullying and harassment resulting from the lack of acceptance of their sexuality or gender identity.

“At the local level we have seen public displays of support from most of the seven local government areas in the region by flying the rainbow flag on days of significance,” he said.

“We again ask Tatiara District Council, Kingston, Robe, Naracoorte-Lucindale, Grant, Wattle Range Council and the City of Mount Gambier fly the rainbow flag on August 26.

“LCC strives to be a safe space for LGBTIQA+ people across the region, across ages and across socio-economic backgrounds.

“We include all people who support and respect that need for a safe, welcoming space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer and asexual (and plus) people to be their true authentic selves in spaces that allow it.

“We encourage allies to be part of the space, noting that allies need to be aware of some understanding.

“As such, LGBTIQA+ organisations are peer run and require lived experience of being LGBTIQA+.

“The role of allies is to amplify our voices, not to speak for us.”

Mr Smith said, as part of the growth of LCC, the group was expanding its offering of support for community members and was developing some new strategies and initiatives.

One such initiative will be having a regular art group in Millicent and Mount Gambier,” he said.

“We are developing our approach as we hope to showcase to the wider community how we go.

“If you are able to please join the community on Wear it Purple day at our event at Woolstore Brewery on August 26.”