Purple Friday.

What is purple Friday? 

The meaning of purple Friday is that everyone can be themselves and no one may be bullied or excluded because of it. There is special attention to acceptance of sexual and gender diversity. This day encourages an inclusive atmosphere where respect and acceptance are central.

The coc, an organization that works for a diverse and inclusive society, has lesson packages for (primary) schools specially made for purple Friday. In secondary school and the mbo, students often organize purple Friday themselves.

When is purple Friday?

Purple Friday is always on the second Friday in December. It takes place at primary schools, secondary education, and mbo.

Purple Friday at primary school

Since 2019, purple Friday has been held at primary school. Schools can use the purple Friday lesson package from the coc for this. The lesson package focuses on creating a safe school environment. It contains a picture book, a lesson letter, poems, tips, and information to support teachers in their lessons.

Some schools organize a moment where parents can view the teaching material. Schools also sometimes choose to inform parents in a letter about purple Friday. The primary school can ask your child to come to school in purple clothes. Of course, this is not required. Your child should come in clothes they feel comfortable in.

Purple Friday at secondary school or mbo

Often, students and teachers organize purple Friday themselves at secondary school and mbo. Many schools have a gender & sexuality alliance. In a gender & sexuality alliance are students who have questions about gender or sexuality, and students who support their LGBTQ+ schoolmates (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer).

The gender & sexuality alliance decorates the assembly hall, gives out purple bracelets, or gives a presentation about diversity. They can also ask your child to come to school in purple clothes. Of course, this is not required. Your child should come in clothes they feel comfortable in.

Talking with your child about diversity

On purple Friday, you can talk with your child about diversity. For example, does your child know children with two mothers or two fathers? Or is your child in a class with other children who have doubts about their gender identity or orientation?

Purple Friday can be a nice moment to talk about it together. Reading a book together is also possible. There are books with different themes about diversity for children in primary and secondary school.