Spirit Day

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Spirit Day

Spirit Day is an annual event that takes place on the third Thursday of October. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the bullying and harassment faced by the LGBTQ+ community, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth. Participants are encouraged to wear purple as a symbol of support and solidarity.

History[edit | edit source]

Spirit Day was first observed in 2010, initiated by Canadian teenager Brittany McMillan. The day was created in response to a series of high-profile suicides among LGBTQ+ youth who had been bullied. McMillan's goal was to create a day where people could visibly show their support for LGBTQ+ youth and take a stand against bullying.

The event quickly gained traction, with support from organizations such as GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), which has played a significant role in promoting Spirit Day and encouraging participation from individuals, schools, and businesses.

Significance[edit | edit source]

Spirit Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing issues of bullying and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. By wearing purple, participants send a message of acceptance and support, helping to foster a more inclusive and understanding environment.

The color purple was chosen because it represents "spirit" on the rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978.

Participation[edit | edit source]

Participation in Spirit Day is simple yet impactful. Individuals, schools, companies, and organizations are encouraged to wear purple and share messages of support on social media using the hashtag #SpiritDay. Many participants also change their social media profile pictures to purple or use Spirit Day-themed frames and filters.

In addition to wearing purple, participants can engage in educational activities, host events, and share resources about LGBTQ+ issues and anti-bullying strategies.

Impact[edit | edit source]

Since its inception, Spirit Day has grown into a global movement, with millions of people participating each year. The day has received support from celebrities, politicians, and major corporations, all of whom help to amplify the message of acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ youth.

Spirit Day has also inspired educational initiatives and policy changes aimed at reducing bullying and promoting inclusivity in schools and workplaces.

Also see[edit | edit source]

Template:LGBTQ+ rights Template:Anti-bullying

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD