What Is Spirit Day? And Why Are People Going Purple on Social Media?

So what exactly is Spirit Day? And why are folks wearing purple for it?

Happy Spirit Day!

Anyone browsing social media today will see lots of queer celebs, activists, and allies wearing purple and posting anti-bullying messages. That's because it's Spirit Day, when millions of people "go purple" to show their support for and solidarity with LGBTQ+ youth. What started as one person's blog post, is now the largest LGBTQ+ anti-bullying campaign in the world!

But what are the origins of the annual event?

It all started with a simple Tumblr post!

Back in 2010, high schooler Brittany McMillan had become worn down by seeing tragic stories of queer youth taking their lives as a result of homophobic bullying. So she decided that on October 20, she and her friends would wear purple in honor of those student's memories and in support of queer youth. She posted about the idea on her Tumblr.

The Cast of 'Shadowhunters' Celebrating Spirit Day

McMillan wrote an original blog post that day describing the 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."

Collage via @CraziestCupcake on Twitter

Ross Matthews Celebrating Spirit Day

Soon, GLAAD got involved, reaching out to McMillan and promoting Spirit Day across its social media. They started encouraging celebrities, activists, and allies to join in the movement and wear purple on Spirit Day.

Sarah Kate Ellis and Symone on Spirit Day

GLAAD reports that 53.1% of LGBTQ+ students of color feel unsafe at school because of their gender or sexual orientation. One in four transgender students reported experiencing physical harassment at school because of their gender. They also found that 70% of LGBTQ+ students reported being verbally harassed, and 58% reported they felt unsafe at school. Spirit Day hopes to combat that.

Nina West Going Purple

Now, every Spirit Day, people across the country wear purple in solidarity with LGBTQ+ youth and against bullying. Queer celebrities like Nina West, Symone, and Drew Barrymore join in the movement each year.

'Good Morning America' Goes Purple

This year, allies like The cast of Shadowhunters, Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Ripa, the hosts of Good Morning America, and the Teletubbies also joined in.

Drew Barrymore Celebrating Spirit Day

You can go to GLAAD.org to find out ways you can support and take part in Spirit Day, including taking a pledge, finding resources, donating, and making your own purple post on the 21st.

Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest Stand in Solidarity With LGBTQ+ Youth

You can stand with LGBTQ+ youth too, by wearing purple and sharing posts about Spirit Day. Join in the movement, and find out more at GLAAD.org.