Today is a good day to wear purple, because today is Spirit Day.
Spirit Day began in 2010 as a way to show support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
It is also a day to take a stand against bullying. Following a string of high-profile suicide deaths of gay teens in 2010, GLAAD, an organization that attempts to hold the media accountable for the words and images presented when it comes to the LGBTQ community, worked to involve millions of teachers, workplaces, celebrities, media outlets, and students in going purple on social media or wearing purple, a color that symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag.
According to a 2015 GLSEN survey, more than half of LGBTQ students report being victimized based on sexual orientation, with a further three quarters of students who report hearing homophobic remarks in school. Overall the report stated that the rates of LGBTQ bullying in the U.S. remains troublesome.
Every year, millions of people “go purple” on Spirit Day to take a stand against bullying and to show support for LGBTQ youth. The visibility of celebrities, athletes, politicians, faith leaders and schools taking a stand against bullying can change the world for LGBTQ youth, and sends a strong message to let them know that they are not alone.
Spirit Day now occurs every year on the third Thursday in October, during National Bullying Prevention Month, and has become the most visible day of support for LGBTQ youth.
This year we celebrate Spirit Day on October 20 where we will all stand together; communities, corporations, celebrities, landmarks, faith groups, sports leagues, schools, and so much more, to send a message of solidarity and acceptance to LGBTQ youth.
To read more about Spirit Day (#spiritday): https://www.glaad.org/spiritday