In light of a stressful election cycle and nearing the end of a presidential that has rolled back protections for transgender Americans, seeing political candidates support for transgender and other queer youth is a welcome breath of fresh air.
Former Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden came out in support of LGBTQ+ youth on Twitter.
This #SpiritDay — and every day — we must stand up to hate and intolerance. It’s up to all of us to ensure every young person is affirmed and accepted just as they are — regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 15, 2020
His support for Spirit Day came hours before appearing on a televised town hall where he answered questions about issues the LGBTQ+ community face, among others. As his responses trickled into social media, his team made sure to double down on his support for LGBTQ+ rights and protections.
How will I ensure the rights of LGBTQ+ people are protected under U.S. law?
I’ll change the law.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 16, 2020
California senator and Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris also shared her own support for LGBTQ+ youth.
To all LGBTQ+ youth who are facing bullying and harassment, know that you deserve to be accepted and loved just as you are. #SpiritDay
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 15, 2020
She also took time to highlight LGBTQ+ issues including the disproportionate discrimination and violence faced by trans women of color
Under the Trump administration, LGBTQ+ rights have been under attack. We must first undo the harm of this administration, then do more to protect LGBTQ+ Americans—especially trans women of color—from discrimination, harm, and death.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 16, 2020
About Spirit Day:
Each year, millions go purple for GLAAD’s Spirit Day to support LGBTQ youth in a united stand against bullying. Started in 2010 by high school student Brittany McMillan in response to numerous young LGBTQ lives lost to suicide, Spirit Day now draws the participation of celebrities, schools, faith institutions, national landmarks, corporations, media outlets, sports leagues, and advocates around the world, all joining together to stand against bullying and support LGBTQ youth.
Presenting partners Delta Air Lines, Kellogg Company, and Target, official partners Amazon, NYC Department of Youth and Community Development and the New York City Council, and Skittles, as well as community partners Kirkland & Ellis, NBA & WNBA will all participate in 2020 Spirit Day.
In 2020, Spirit Day takes on a renewed importance due to the unprecedented challenges facing LGBTQ youth. This year, many LGBTQ youth are beginning the school year at home and are unable to attend in-person meetings of Gay-Straight Alliances, Gender-Sexuality Alliances or on-campus college LGBTQ organizations. Some LGBTQ youth may be confined to a home environment that may be unsupportive or abusive. Calls to The Trevor Project’s hotline for LGBTQ youth have at times more than doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
This year, Spirit Day is on October 15, 2020. Take the Spirit Day pledge to show LGBTQ youth you’ve got their backs at glaad.org/spiritday. Follow @GLAAD on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to keep up to date with #SpiritDay news.