Jade Jungwirth
The Castlemaine community has flooded social media with support for drag performer Polly Filla, who was vilified online for their performance at Castlemaine Secondary College as part of the Wear It Purple Day celebrations.
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said the hateful response to this event demonstrated precisely why the day remained so necessary.
“Polly is a highly acclaimed and much-loved performer who has entertained audiences for more than 30 years. More importantly, Polly is a kind and generous person who has brought enormous joy, colour and warmth to our community,” Ms Edwards said.
She continued by pointing out that those responsible have revealed nothing about Polly’s character, but a great deal about their own.
“There is nothing heroic about joining an online pile-on from behind the safety of a screen. It is cowardice in its most pathetic form,” she said.
“Wear It Purple Day exists because too many LGBTIQA+ young people still experience bullying, discrimination and isolation simply for being who they are. Visibility and acceptance tell them they are not alone, that they are valued and that they should never feel ashamed of who they are.”
The local MP commended Polly for having the courage to speak out and Castlemaine Secondary College for standing firmly with its students and fostering a culture of safety, dignity and inclusion.
“Schools should be places where every young person feels safe to learn, grow and become who they are — not battlegrounds for the imported grievances of angry adults.”
Ms Edwards said it was profoundly disappointing that the conversation remained necessary — that people must still defend their right to live openly, safely and with dignity.
“A loud minority does not speak for Castlemaine or Victoria,” she said.
“To every young person distressed by what they have seen online: you are valued, you are supported, and you belong. Hate may be loud, but it will not have the final word.”
Castlemaine Secondary College principal Justin Hird told the Mail that the school proudly took part in the optional event to mark Wear it Purple Day.
“Every student has a right to feel safe and included at school,” Mr Hird said.
“It is important that our school shows support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, queer and questioning (LGBTIQ+) inclusion by celebrating days that support LGBTIQ+ young people and their wellbeing.”
Mount Alexander Shire Council mayor Toby Hedyon, who attended the Wear It Purple celebrations at CSC last week, said everyone needs to show more respect for their fellow citizens, no matter how they identify or what they look like.
“This is a diverse country, made up of a myriad of different people. I love that about Australia, and I wish we could all just appreciate the humanity and express joy in our shared journey together.”
Castlemaine Police Acting Senior Sergeant Curtis Dillon said that any behaviour that crossed into threats, criminal harassment, vilification or intimidation would be taken seriously and might be investigated.
“There is absolutely no place for this type of concerning behaviour in our community,” he said.
“We stand with all members of our community and will keep working hard to ensure Castlemaine is a place where everyone feels safe, valued and included.”
If you or someone you know has been impacted by this situation, support is available through LGBTQIA+-inclusive and rainbow-friendly services, including:
Switchboard/QLife 1800 184 527
Headspace Bendigo (03) 5406 1400
Thorne Harbour Health Mental Health & Wellbeing Locals
Castlemaine Safe Space