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Here's Who Celebrated Spirit Day & Went Purple on Social Media

Here's Who Celebrated Spirit Day & Went Purple on Social Media

Here's Who Celebrated Spirit Day & Went Purple on Social Media
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Happy Spirit Day!

So what exactly is Spirit Day? And how did it start?

Activists, allies, organizations, and businesses are wearing purple and posting anti-bullying messages today thanks to Spirit Day, a day when millions of people across the globe "go purple" to show support and solidarity with LGBTQ+ youth. It all started with one person's blog post, and now, it's the largest LGBTQ+ anti-bullying campaign in the world!

Spirit Day has origins back to 2010 when high schooler Brittany McMillan had become fed up and worn down by seeing tragic stories of queer youth taking their lives due to homophobic bullying. She and her friends decided that on October 20 they'd wear purple in honor of those student's memories and in support of queer youth. She posted the idea on her Tumblr.

McMillan wrote a powerful message on her Tumblr that first Spirit Day.

"It's been decided. On October 20th, we will wear purple in memory of the recent gay suicides. Many of them suffered from homophobic abuse in their schools or in their homes. We want to take a stand to say that we will not tolerate this. Purple represents Spirit on the LGBTQ flag and that's exactly what we'd like all of you to have with you: spirit. Please know that times will get better and that you will meet people who will love you and respect you for who you are, no matter your sexuality. Please wear purple on October 20th to remember all the lives of LGBTQ youth that have been lost due to homophobia. Tell your friends, co-workers, neighbors and schools."

Now, organizations like GLAAD are heavily involved with the day, and people across the country and the world stand with queer youth by wearing purple.

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Mey Rude

Mey Rude is a journalist and cultural critic who has been covering queer news for a decade. The transgender, Latina lesbian lives in Los Angeles with her fiancée.

Mey Rude is a journalist and cultural critic who has been covering queer news for a decade. The transgender, Latina lesbian lives in Los Angeles with her fiancée.