Spirit Day
Standing Against Bullying and Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
Every year, on the third Thursday of October, millions of people around the world don purple for Spirit Day to take a stand against bullying and show support for LGBTQ+ youth. It’s a day of visibility, solidarity, and commitment to creating a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can feel safe and accepted.
The Origins of Spirit Day
Spirit Day was started in 2010 by Canadian teenager Brittany McMillan as a response to the alarming rates of bullying and suicides among LGBTQ+ youth. She encouraged people to wear purple to honor the lives lost to bullying and to raise awareness about the importance of acceptance. The color purple was chosen because it symbolizes spirit on the rainbow pride flag, representing a sense of courage and strength.
Since its inception, Spirit Day has grown into a global movement supported by individuals, schools, businesses, and organizations. It's a day that brings people together to visibly show their support for LGBTQ+ youth and pledge to help end bullying in all its forms.
Why Spirit Day Matters
LGBTQ+ youth, especially those who are transgender or gender non-conforming, face disproportionately high rates of bullying, harassment, and discrimination both in schools and online. Studies show that LGBTQ+ students are more likely to experience verbal and physical abuse, leading to negative impacts on their mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being.
Spirit Day serves as a powerful reminder that no young person should have to endure bullying or feel isolated because of who they are. By wearing purple, participating in events, or sharing supportive messages on social media, allies can help create an environment of acceptance and compassion, showing LGBTQ+ youth that they are not alone.
How You Can Get Involved
There are many ways to participate in Spirit Day and make a difference:
Wear Purple: One of the simplest yet most visible ways to show your support is by wearing purple on Spirit Day. Whether you're at school, work, or online, your purple attire sends a message of solidarity to LGBTQ+ youth.
Post on Social Media: Use the hashtag #SpiritDay and share messages of support for LGBTQ+ youth on your social media platforms. You can also share resources and information about how to combat bullying and support LGBTQ+ students in your community.
Host or Attend a Spirit Day Event: Many schools, organizations, and communities host Spirit Day events, such as discussions, rallies, or workshops on LGBTQ+ issues and bullying prevention. Participating in or organizing an event can amplify the message of acceptance and support.
Become a Visible Ally: Commit to being an ally not just on Spirit Day but every day. Speak up when you witness bullying or discrimination, advocate for inclusive policies in schools and workplaces, and continue to educate yourself on LGBTQ+ issues.
Support LGBTQ+ Organizations: Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations that work to support LGBTQ+ youth and fight bullying. Groups like GLAAD, The Trevor Project, and It Gets Better provide crucial resources for young people and their families.
The Impact of Spirit Day
While wearing purple or posting on social media might seem like small acts, the collective impact of millions of people participating in Spirit Day is significant. When LGBTQ+ youth see a sea of purple around them, both in real life and online, it sends a powerful message that they are loved, supported, and valued. It helps break the silence around bullying and creates a safer, more inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
By standing together, we can show LGBTQ+ youth that they matter, that their lives are important, and that they should never feel ashamed of who they are. Spirit Day reminds us that everyone deserves respect, kindness, and the freedom to be themselves without fear of harassment or harm.
Conclusion
Spirit Day is more than just a day to wear purple—it's a day to reflect on how we can all contribute to a more compassionate and accepting world. By raising awareness and taking action against bullying, we support LGBTQ+ youth and make it clear that hate has no place in our communities. Together, we can foster a culture of kindness, where everyone feels safe, seen, and celebrated for who they are.