Some teachers donned purple feather boas and others had rainbows painted on faces – but it was all in the name of acceptance. 

It was the first year Albury High School supported Wear It Purple Day, a day for everybody to be proud of who they are. 

Student Matt Armstrong, 16, organised the event to support those at school who were openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex. 

“They can express themselves,” he said.

“Days like this make them feel more comfortable.

“It gets them to come to school – a lot of kids don’t go to school because they don’t feel accepted.”

Matt said students were also pushing to play movie Gayby Baby, which has been surrounded by controversy this week after it was banned from being played in NSW during school hours. 

“We are currently in talks with the Safe Schools Coalition about when we will play it,” Matt said.

“I just think it’s important because it shows kids that just because someone might have two mums or two dads, it doesn’t mean they’re not normal.”

Student representative council co-ordinator Elyse Hannan, 16, said Gayby Baby would get the older generation involved in conversations about LGBTI. 

“Love is love,” she said.

“I think it’s good to educate people who may need more understanding.” 

Matt said LGBTI was a taboo topic to cover in schools.

“But it needs to be done,” he said. 

Albury High School student Carson Mair is an openly gay student, who said Wear It Purple Day meant a great deal.

“It’s nice to feel accepted and it’s good to know you’re supported and people have your back,” he said.

Students marched up Dean Street with Murray High School and James Fallon High School students and police. 

Albury Inspector David Cottee said it was in support of efforts to prevent youth suicide among the LGBTI community.

He said police recognised young people who were either gay or lesbain or identified themselves under the LGBTI umbrella were at high risk of suicide due to harassment and bullying.  

Police were proud to participate in the day.