The Spirit of Spirit Day

Spirit Day

Spirit Day is an annual day in October when millions of Americans wear purple to speak out against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.

The idea for Spirit Day came in 2010, from teenager Brittany McMillan, who wanted to remember those young people who lost their lives to suicide and to take a stand against bullying.

One of the best parts of Spirit Day is that everyone can get involved. Students, schools, organizations, corporations, professionals, celebrities, and parents have participated. Everyone from Ke$ha and Macklemore to Snookie and Facebook will go purple this year for Spirit Day. Even the White House has joined the cause!

How to get involved?

Take the pledge to "go purple" on October 17th as people partner to create a world in which LGBTQ teens are celebrated and accepted for who they are. You can also download GLAAD's Spirit Day resource kit , which has ways you can turn your community purple. Spirit Day participants can also spread the word and tell their friends that they're standing up against bullying. Use your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or other social media to spread the purple!

GLAAD and Toyota Financial Services have even launched the " Go Purple for #SpiritDay " app for iPhone and Android. The app provides users with anti-bullying resources, calls to action, and a tool that can turn photos purple and share to your social media. The free app is available in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.

I hope you will do your part and show your support for the world's young people, by participating in Spirit Day!