Laces Tie Homegrown Company to Queensland Police for Wear it Purple Day

BRISBANE, QLD (28 August, 2018) A Queensland-based shoelace brand is helping to stamp out harassment against the LGBTI community by lacing up Queensland’s police officers with special edition shoelaces for Wear it Purple Day on August 31. 

Police officers throughout Queensland will demonstrate their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) youth by wearing their boots with purple laces from Brisbane brand, Ted & Lemon, on the day. 

Wear it Purple was founded in 2010 in response to young people taking their own lives as a result of bullying and harassment from the lack of acceptance of their sexuality or gender identity.

Commissioner Ian Stewart said this was a great way for rainbow youth everywhere to know that their support base included police.

“’Wear it Purple’ is a simple message: you have the right to be proud of who you are and sexuality or gender identity does not change this – ‘Wear it Purple’ if you agree – and we do,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“We know that this small display of support can have a significant impact on LGBTI young people. This symbolism of the purple shoelaces is simply to encourage people – including our police – to think about walking in someone else’s shoes for the day.

“This is an important message and one I am proud to support as Commissioner.”

Ted & Lemon co-founder, Trenton Mabbott, said their shoelace brand had gained an organic following within the LGBTI community across the country, so the shoe fit to partner with the Queensland Police Service on this year’s initiative.  

“We started Ted & Lemon with a simple idea to inject a bit of fun and colour into a standard, everyday accessory – we never imagined it would take off the way it has,” said Mr Mabbott.

“Now, building this partnership with the Queensland Police is an exciting step for us as we’re a proud Queensland company.

“By tying it into Wear it Purple Day, we’re throwing our support behind the movement to stamp out bullying and support and respect all young people, which is an issue close to our hearts.”

Ted & Lemon will supply pairs of purple laces to Queensland Police officers and staff to wear on August 31. 

“We’d love to see it grow from here and spread across the wider community with more people and organisations wearing purple laces to show their support,” said Mr Mabbott. 

Ted & Lemon stocks a range of dress shoe, sneaker and coloured laces and ships Australia-wide. Prices start at $9.95 from www.tedandlemon.com.au  - check out the Purple Boot Laces video here.