Spirit Day: A Global Stand Against LGBTQ+ Bullying
Spirit Day is the most prominent anti-bullying initiative worldwide, designed to empower LGBTQ+ youth, particularly those who identify as transgender and nonbinary, to live authentically and true to themselves. On October 19, 2023, millions of Americans will don the color purple on Spirit Day in order to make a powerful statement against bullying. This act of solidarity aims to support LGBTQ+ youth by providing them with positive role models, fostering their growth, and ensuring their representation in society.
In 2010 a brave teenager, Brittany McMillan, spearheaded the idea of wearing purple to honor those who chose to end their lives after anti-LGBTQ+ bullying. A Spirit Day Facebook event page went viral, and GLAAD stepped in to spread McMillan’s message of support and stand against bullying.
“Spirit Day is a visual reminder of love and support for LGBTQ+ youth who are experiencing bullying. It finds a way to get a message that they are not alone and have a whole community willing to stand up for them,” said Ross Murray, Vice President of GLAAD Media Institute.
Spirit Day has grown significantly since its inception in 2010, attracting celebrities such as Tori Amos, Katie Couric, Michael Sam, Demi Lovato, Daniel Franzese, Oprah, and Hillary Clinton. Throughout the years, Spirit Day continues to grow, with the late Betty White turning “Betty Purple” in 2013, and even Oprah changing her Twitter profile picture to include a purple filter. The movement’s impact expanded further as Celine Dion wore purple and sang “Purple Rain” during a concert in 2017. In 2018, Kellogg’s launched “All Together” Spirit Day cereal. Last year, Kelly Clarkson performed Third Eye Blind’s hit “Jumper” on The Kelly Clarkson Show on a special episode where she focused on Spirit Day. The episode included Margaret Cho, Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, and Stephanie Larsen from Encircle, a Utah Nonprofit that provides lifesaving resources for LGBTQ Youth and Families. Intersex advocate and animator, Emily Quinn, additionally recently made this video, which illustrates how the smallest thing can mean the world to someone in need.
Previous Spirit Day events have been held in New York City at The Stonewall Inn & Stonewall National Monument, The Empire State Building, the Nasdaq, and the New York Stock Exchange. This year GLAAD is partnering with LiveNation and the Recording Academy for a special night of songs and solidarity to support LGBTQ youth. They are kicking off Spirit Day on October 18 with live performances featuring Lauren Jauregui, Wayne Brady, The Scarlet Opera, and VINCINT at the Belasco in Los Angeles, California. All proceeds from this historic event will help GLAAD give LGBTQ youth, their parents, and allies an opportunity to see what is possible when we lead with acceptance. Book your ticket here, and travel to Los Angeles for this event, which will undoubtedly be a night to remember.
The Trevor Project, a leading LGBTQ youth suicide prevention organization, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ youth. Their 2023 U.S. National Survey found alarming rates of mental health challenges, with 41% of respondents seriously considering suicide in the past year. This includes half of transgender and nonbinary youth and 3 in 10 cisgender youth. The survey revealed that 56% of young people who sought mental health care in the past year were unable to access it, citing barriers such as fear, parental permission concerns, and affordability.
The survey underscores the importance of safe spaces and social support, as LGBTQ youth who had access to affirming homes, schools, and communities reported lower rates of suicide attempts. There is still work to be done, as just 52% of transgender and nonbinary youth reported having access to a gender-affirming school, and only 35% noted having an affirming home. These findings emphasize the urgent need for support and acceptance for LGBTQ youth. As Spirit Day approaches, let us stand together in purple to create a world where all LGBTQ people are accepted, free to express themselves, and enjoy better mental health.
In Australia, there is an equivalent to Spirit Day known as “Wear it Purple Day”, which originated in 2010 as a response to the tragic stories of teenagers taking their own lives due to bullying and discrimination related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. This movement was ignited by the loss of 18-year-old Tyler Clementi, who sadly ended his life after being publicly ‘outed’ as gay, shedding light on the plight of many young people facing similar struggles. Founded by Katherine Hudson and Scott Williams, Wear it Purple has since evolved into an international movement dedicated to promoting support and acceptance for LGBTQ+ youth. The message remains unchanged: everyone deserves to take pride in who they are. Learn more at Wear its Purple Day Australia here.
Aside from wearing purple on October 19, what can you do to get involved? Encourage your friends, family, coworkers, classmates, and teachers to also wear purple and take a stand against bullying. Take time to reflect on individuals and organizations working to make a difference. These organizations include GLAAD, The Trevor Project, the LGBT National Help Center, and local community centers. Donate to these tremendous organizations and if you are unable, volunteer your time and talents to their many programs. If you are unsure about how to find your local LGBTQ community center, visit CenterLink, the Community of LGBTQ Centers here. Consider taking time to honor those we have lost to bullying and suicide by donating to one of these organizations or visiting local LGBTQ landmarks and monuments we have profiled in our recent articles: 12 Places to Reflect on Our LGBTQ+ History including the New York City AIDS Memorial in NYC and the Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism in Berlin, Germany and LGBTQ+ History: 12 Important Memorials and Historic Sites, including Transgender Memorial Garden in St. Louis, The Legacy Walk in Chicago, and Vicksburg National Military Park in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
To further back this cause, take the Spirit Day Pledge and explore GLAAD’s resources at glaad.org/spiritday. Share your thoughts with the hashtag #SpiritDay to inspire LGBTQ youth on their journeys.
If you or someone you know needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, via chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678678.
