For many young LGBTQIA+ people, seeing visible support can be the difference between feeling isolated and knowing they belong. That’s what Wear It Purple Day is all about – fostering supporting, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people. For the drinks industry, it’s also a reminder to maintain momentum on building workplaces where diversity and inclusion are recognised, respected and expected.
To mark the day, we spoke with Kirsten Dale, Global Director of People and Culture at Treasury Wine Estates, and her son, Axe Henderson. Their story offers an honest look at why visibility matters and how support – at work and at home – can create lasting impact.
For Axe, understanding his identity started during the 2020 lockdown.
“Being online all the time exposed me to trans people,” he shared. “I hadn’t really known anyone in my life who identified as trans and this opened up a new world for me.”
It was a personal realisation he kept to himself for a while, until something changed. “I had written a letter to my parents about wanting to use different pronouns and take steps to affirm my gender,” Axe said. “I wasn’t ready to give it to them yet but my mum found it while cleaning my room. That afternoon, she texted me saying she’d support me no matter what.”
Kirsten remembers finding the letter and how she felt in that moment.
“My reaction was a bit of disbelief,” she said. “I was afraid for his well-being and didn’t really understand. But I knew I wanted to support him.”
In the months that followed, the family faced plenty of change, navigating new conversations, emotions and challenges together.
“Grieving the loss of a daughter was a big thing for our family,” Kirsten said. “We had to help grandparents understand and avoid misgendering. There were a few mishaps, but they’re really great now.”
Accessing gender-affirming healthcare was another hurdle along the way.
“Trying to navigate the system… endocrinologists, psychologists, etc was really challenging,” Kirsten said. “But finally cracking it – and seeing Axe thrive – felt like a huge achievement.”
Axe agrees. “Being able to express myself has made me come out of my shell,” he said. “It’s deepened my connection with my parents. While it can be awkward, I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support.”
Kirsten’s journey as a parent has also shaped her leadership at work.
“It just seemed crazy to me that people would be discriminated against based on their gender or who they’re attracted to,” she said.
“Having a son who is transgender has made me even more passionate about creating inclusive workplaces.”
At Treasury Wine Estates, she’s helped lead initiatives like the gender affirmation toolkit and policy, tools that now extend support to employees’ family members as well.
Kirsten believes leaders “set the tone from the top. It sends a strong message when leaders stand up for the community. It’s about support, safety and belonging.”
For Axe, the most important message to other trans youth is simple. “You aren’t doing this for them; you’re doing it for yourself. The second you talk about it; the weight is lifted off your shoulders.” And he’s hopeful about what’s ahead. “I see a bright future for the trans community. I want to make sure that if little me saw me now, he’d be proud.”
For Kirsten, Wear It Purple Day is more than just a moment of recognition, it’s a chance to create real safety for those who need it most. “Not all trans kids are as fortunate as my son,” she said. “Some don’t have supportive families. It sends a message: ‘You’re welcome. It’s safe here.’”
Across the drinks industry, Wear It Purple Day is being recognised and celebrated via morning teas, newsletters and panels that celebrate inclusion and support for LGBTQIA+ youth.
As we mark Wear It Purple Day, Kirsten and Axe’s story reminds us that inclusion starts with understanding and that every act of allyship, no matter how small, can make a world of difference.
