In honor of Spirit Day this year, GLAAD rang the Nasdaq Stock Market Opening Bell from the crossroads of the world, live in Times Square!
#SpiritDay is the world’s most visible anti-bullying movement, designed to inspire and support LGBTQ youth.
Since the inaugural #SpiritDay in 2010, GLAAD has organized hundreds of celebrities, media outlets, brands, landmarks, sports leagues, faith groups, school districts, organizations, colleges and universities in what has become the most visible anti-LGBTQ bullying campaign and united show of support for LGBTQ youth by going purple.
Purple also symbolizes spirit on the LGBTQ Pride flag.
At the Nasdaq Market Site, GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis (she/her) was joined by the GLAAD staff based in New York, members of GLAAD’s Board, The Trevor Project’s CEO Jaymes Black (they/she/he) and Kevin Wong (he/him), The Ali Forney Center’s Steve Cruz (he/him) and Paul Cruz (he/him), and The Stonewall National Monument Visitors Center’s Tom Bagley (he/him) and Annie Willis (she/her, alongside LGBTQ creators and creatives part of GLAAD’s storytelling pipeline programs, together with influential voices and LGBTQ community thought leaders, to ring the opening bell at Nasdaq and kick off #SpiritDay.
View this post on Instagram
Nasdaq executive producer and host Kristina Ayanian started the ceremony with introductory remarks, welcoming GLAAD and explaining the purpose of Spirit Day. “We are so excited to have you all here today at the crossroads of the world, in Times Square, New York, as we get set to ring today’s Opening Bell in celebration of Spirit Day, organized by GLAAD.”
She went on to say, “On this day, October 17th, GLAAD celebrates #SpiritDay which is the world’s most visible anti-bullying movement inspiring LGBTQ youth, especially transgender and nonbinary youth to live their lives in their truth and authenticity. This year, GLAAD will organize thousands of celebrities, influential voices, news & media outlets, tv & film studios, brands & corporations, landmarks, sports leagues, tech leaders, influencers, faith groups and so many more to go purple and support LGBTQ youth by creating clear possibility models for them to thrive and be represented in the world.” To close, she stated, “We support your mission to providing the community a voice that deserves to be heard and respected.”
View this post on Instagram
Sarah Kate Ellis then took the podium. “We celebrate today in the backdrop of a divided nation – activists and media igniting debate over LGBTQ people – and using transgender youth as political wedges.But let me be clear – our community is not up for debate.Over 20% of Gen Z are LGBTQ – these are your future employees and consumers and they want corporate America to double down on DEI, not back away.”
She continued, “Over 500 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in states this year– a majority targeted LGBTQ youth. Only a small number passed, but the damage is broad. The Trevor Project just released data that found over 70% of trans youth attempted suicide after states passed anti-trans laws. That’s why Spirit Day matters. LGBTQ youth deserve support and to know that they belong today and all year round.”
“There is hope – and I’m surrounded by it right now – To the creators and creatives with me and who are watching – your stories matter and your stories will save lives,” Ellis stated.
To close, she shared, “That is GLAAD’s superpower: we supercharge media, business and all areas of culture with stories that create change, and inspire hope. And we’re thrilled to continue that story and bring that hope to Nasdaq this morning on Spirit Day.”
A livestream of the ceremony is available here.
Take the Spirit Day Pledge now to take a stand against bullying and join GLAAD in accelerating acceptance. Learn more here.