Today is Spirit Day – a means of speaking out against LGBTQ bullying and standing with LGBTQ youth, who disproportionately face bullying and harassment because of their identities.
Pledging to “go purple” on Spirit Day is a way for everyone — forward-thinking companies, global leaders, respected celebrities, neighbors, parents, classmates, and friends — to visibly show solidarity with LGBTQ youth and to take part in the largest, most visible anti-bullying campaign in the world.
The first observance took place on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Later observances were shifted around a bit until the tradition of the third Thursday of October was established in 2013.
The name “Spirit Day” comes from the purple stripe of the Rainbow flag, whose creator Gilbert Baker defined it as “representing ‘spirit'”.
As anti-LGBTQ policies, hate crimes, and harassment are on the rise, it is now especially important to let all marginalized youth know they are supported.
Take the Spirit Day pledge to show LGBTQ youth you’ve got their backs at glaad.org/spiritday.
Follow @GLAAD on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to keep up to date with #SpiritDay news.
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden took to Twitter today to recognize Spirit Day writing, “Spirit Day – and every day – we must stand up to hate and intolerance. It’s up to all of us to ensure every young person is affirmed and accepted just as they are — regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.”
Don’t look for a tweet from Donald Trump. There isn’t one.
This #SpiritDay — and every day — we must stand up to hate and intolerance. It’s up to all of us to ensure every young person is affirmed and accepted just as they are — regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 15, 2020
To all LGBTQ+ youth who are facing bullying and harassment, know that you deserve to be accepted and loved just as you are. #SpiritDay
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 15, 2020
I stand with LGBTQ young people on #SpiritDay, and on every day of the year. Go purple: https://t.co/T83AjG1fk3 pic.twitter.com/mwa03AKtXK
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 15, 2020
Times Square is purple today to support LGBTQ youth and to stand against bullying! #SpiritDay 🤩💜 pic.twitter.com/RjXT0nuU87
— GLAAD (@glaad) October 15, 2020
