Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign
Communities across Scotland are being invited to make a visible show of support for LGBTQ+ young people this Purple Friday.
Article Source: LGBT Youth Scotland
Last Updated: 13 February 2025 10:40
Taking place on February 28th, Purple Friday encourages people to celebrate the spirit of the LGBTQ+ community and allies by wearing purple, raising funds, and participating in activities celebrating the resilience, creativity and diversity of Scotland’s LGBTQ+ youth.
This year’s theme, “Nothing Rhymes with Purple,” offers a poetic twist, encouraging participants to channel their creativity through the written word.
Budding poets can submit their work for the charity’s first-ever anthology, with selected entries seeing their works published to raise vital funds for LGBTQ+ services.
Celebrating its 10th year, the LGBT Youth Scotland awareness day, with the support of Lauren Mayberry from CHVRCHES, is on a mission to raise £20,000 for LGBTQ+ young people.
Lauren, the lead singer of the internationally acclaimed band CHVRCHES and long-time ally of the LGBTQ+ community, is among the high-profile supporters lending their voice to the cause. She said: “As someone who strives to be a visible and vocal supporter of the community, I’m thrilled to support Purple Friday and the incredible work that LGBT Youth Scotland do.
“This initiative is an opportunity for young people to live proudly as their authentic selves and for communities across Scotland to show they care. It’s so important to stand together and celebrate diversity.”
The poetry submissions form part of a wider campaign to amplify LGBTQ+ voices, especially those of young people aged 13–25, and to raise funds for life-saving services provided by LGBT Youth Scotland.
Mhairi Crawford, Chief Executive of LGBT Youth Scotland, added: “Visibility is life-changing for LGBTQ+ young people. When they see allies stand up for them, it builds confidence and fosters more inclusive, safer communities.
“This Purple Friday, we’re asking people to embrace creativity - whether it’s by writing a poem, hosting an event, or simply wearing purple.
“Purple Friday isn’t just a fundraising day - it’s a movement for change. Every pound raised helps us break down barriers, giving LGBTQ+ young people the opportunity to thrive.
“Together, we can ensure LGBTQ+ young people feel seen, supported, and valued.”
Selected poems will feature in the “Nothing Rhymes with Purple” anthology, a professionally published collection celebrating the richness and resilience of Scotland’s LGBTQ+ community.
Proceeds will support LGBT Youth Scotland’s ongoing work, including youth groups, mental health services and advocacy initiatives.
Community events are also at the heart of Purple Friday. Schools, workplaces, and organisations are encouraged to host their own poetry nights, wear purple, and raise funds to support LGBTQ+ equality.
Purple Friday also takes place during LGBT History Month, offering a platform to reflect on progress while addressing ongoing challenges. With young LGBTQ+ people still facing significant barriers, particularly trans youth in a hostile media climate, public support is more vital than ever.
LGBT Youth Scotland is calling on schools, businesses, and individuals across Scotland to get involved and make this year’s Purple Friday the most impactful yet.
LGBT Youth Scotland is Scotland’s national charity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Questioning and Intersex (LGBTQ+) young people aged 13-25.
LGBTQ+ young people face unique and additional barriers to realising their potential, and LGBT Youth Scotland collaborates with young people to remove those barriers, working with them individually and amplifying their collective voices to influence change.
For more information on Purple Friday 2025, to submit your poem, or to find inspiration for community events, visit lgbtyouth.org.uk/purplefriday
For more information on LGBT Youth Scotland, visit: www.lgbtyouth.org.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Lanarkshire News
Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru
To celebrate the Home Release of Paddington in Peru, Marston's has created a limited-edition marmalade-inspired children's menu, which will be available in over 250 Marston's pubs nationwide!
READ MORE
Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign
Communities across Scotland are being invited to make a visible show of support for LGBTQ+ young people this Purple Friday.
READ MORE
From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner
The Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in less than two weeks' time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week, gets set to return from 24th February - 2nd March.
READ MORE
Final tickets up for grabs for Sunshine on Leith in Lanark
With less than 6 weeks to go until SUNSHINE ON LEITH at Lanark Memorial Hall, tickets are selling fast!
READ MORE
Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling
THE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.
READ MORE
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow
Here's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!
READ MORE
Mid Century Modern architecture celebrated in new exhibition
Mid Century Modern: Putting Scotland on the Map, an exhibition exploring the Mid-Century Modern architectural movement in Scotland, is set to open at North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre tomorrow.
READ MORE
Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland
Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.
READ MORE
Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies
This March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.
READ MORE
Crossbasket Castle invites couples to share cherished memories from iconic Hamilton venue
Crossbasket Castle is calling on couples who have a memorable story to tell from the original Hamilton venue 'The Trocadero', which first opened in the 1950s.
READ MORE
Alona Hotel to host Valentine Mystery
If you're looking for something unusual to do to celebrate Valentine's Day, the four-star Alona Hotel at Strathclyde Country Park is hosting a Murder Mystery evening!
READ MORE
Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.
READ MORE
itison Us charity call out
itison Us have thousands of free respite experiences available for small Scottish charities.
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup with James, Ewan McVicar, Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, Happy Mondays and more
Pavilion Festival has today announced the huge lineup for its third year on Ayr Beach with James, Annie Mac, Happy Mondays, Ewan McVicar, Ben Hemsley and more playing live!
READ MORE
Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland
The National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the devastating destruction caused by Storm Éowyn.
READ MORE
Galactic Carnival is landing in Glasgow
Scotland’s favourite out-of-this-world event, Galactic Carnival, is preparing to launch in Glasgow this spring, promising an intergalactic adventure packed with thrills!
READ MORE
Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show launches a mythical map of Scotland with lead Scottish tour company
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland has partnered with Andy The Highlander to create an Enchanted Map of Scotland's most enchanted locations.
READ MORE
Scottish hospitality group serves up new digital loyalty scheme to cut customer bills
Scottish hospitality group, Signature, has launched an innovative new digital loyalty scheme to help cost-conscious customers save money dining out.
READ MORE
New Something About Lennon show to tour across the UK in 2025
A compelling new celebration of the life and music of legendary Liverpool icon John Lennon is set to embark on a major UK tour in 2025, which includes a night in Airdire in May!
READ MORE
Scottish Golf events go LIVE for 2025
Top amateurs and handicap golfers can now sign up for one or more of Scottish Golf's 33 championships in a packed 2025 schedule.
READ MORE
Launch day queues form for the famous Louisiana chicken as Popeyes opens in East Kilbride
OPEN NOW: Chicken Fans queued overnight at new East Kilbride drive-thru for the Chicken Sandwich that 'broke the internet'!
READ MORE
Live Music Now Scotland announces unparalleled new award
Live Music Now Scotland is delighted to announce a funding award of £150,000 from Elizabeth Lornie's Charitable Trust.
READ MORE
Pavilion Festival returns to Ayr Beach with Saturday lineup curated by Ewan McVicar
Pavilion Festival Presents: Ewan McVicar B2B Ben Hemsley, special guest Annie Mac, along with DJ Seinfeld, Sally C, Robert Hood (Floorplan) and more on Saturday 3rd May!
READ MORE
BBC Debate Night returns for 2025
BBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.
READ MORE
Celebrate Chinese New Year with a roster of blockbusters at Vue venues in Scotland
Vue venues across Scotland will be showcasing a mixture of the latest big screen blockbusters from China as well as an anniversary screening of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
READ MORE
New Lanark launches cinema and film festival celebrating Scottish cinema
New Lanark World Heritage Site is thrilled to announce its newly licensed cinema, positioning it as a cornerstone for celebrating Scottish films and storytelling.
READ MORE
Dobbies free February workshops
Dobbies Garden Centres’ popular Little Seedlings Club and Grow How workshops return for February, inviting gardeners and families to get hands-on at these free sessions.
READ MORE
Pawsome New Year Resolutions remove over 39 million pieces of litter
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution have boosted the ranks of the “PAWS ON PLASTIC’ charity to 27,000.
READ MORE
IRN BRU team up with YO! to offer haggis sushi to reimagine Burns Supper in Glasgow
IRN-BRU and YO! are reimagining Burns Suppers, teaming up to fuse sushi with haggis to help Glaswegians celebrate Scotland's National Day with a 2025 twist.
READ MORE
Border Caravans Announced as Headline Sponsor of the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show is delighted to announce Border Caravans as the new headline sponsor for this year's event.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links