Every October, millions around the world don purple clothing, and raise their voices for LGBTQ+ youth as part of GLAAD’s Spirit Day. Launched in 2010, Spirit Day has become the largest and most visible anti-bullying campaign in support of LGBTQ+ young people, uniting individuals, organizations, and celebrities in a day of solidarity against bullying and harassment.
To kick off celebrations, on October 15th, actor, performer, activist and member of GLAAD’s Board of Directors, Frankie Grande, curated and hosted the #SpiritDay Gala: A Night of Broadway (But Make It Queer!), presented by McDonald’s. This live music event, held at The Box in New York City, brought together some of Broadway’s top stars to spotlight LGBTQ+ youth and take a stand against bullying. The line up included performances like Antwayn Hopper from the cast of A Strange Loop.
About Spirit Day
Spirit Day gets its name from the color purple, which represents “spirit” on the LGBTQ+ Pride flag designed by activist Gilbert Baker. Participants show their support by wearing purple, changing their social media icons, and sharing messages of hope and solidarity with LGBTQ+ youth, many of whom face increased rates of bullying, discrimination, and mental health challenges. Bullying remains a significant issue for LGBTQ+ youth. According to the Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ young people are more than twice as likely to experience bullying and harassment in schools compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers. Spirit Day raises awareness about the need to create safer, more inclusive environments for these students, promoting acceptance, understanding, and resilience.
For LGBTQ Youth of Color
For communities of color, the significance of Spirit Day runs even deeper. In a society where both racial and sexual identities are often marginalized, this day represents a critical moment for visibility, solidarity, and celebration. Steven Hobaica, research scientist from the Trevor Project, emphasized to the Advocate that it is “well documented that youth who hold multiple marginalized identities, such as LGBTQ+ youth of color, report higher rates of both stressful life events and mental health problems than their White LGBTQ+ peers.” So days like Spirit Day allow for Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other communities of color to uplift LGBTQ+ youth within their own cultural contexts, recognizing the unique challenges they face while honoring their resilience and courage.
From Black-owned media outlets to Latinx-led organizations, these groups highlight the intersectional realities of being both queer and a person of color, offering representation that is often missing in mainstream narratives. Their participation in Spirit Day not only shows solidarity but also helps educate and dismantle harmful stereotypes, fostering a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ youth within their communities.
At the heart of Spirit Day is the recognition that LGBTQ+ youth of color are disproportionately affected by bullying and discrimination. This day provides an opportunity for communities to rally around them, offering support and advocating for systemic change. Whether it’s through social media campaigns, educational events, or grassroots activism, Spirit Day has become a crucial platform for challenging the intersection of racism, homophobia, and transphobia, while celebrating the beauty and strength of queer youth of color.
The following are some of the posts made today by queer people of color in our community.
As I start my day, I wear purple for #SpiritDay—a day for us to show our support and stand in solidity with LGBTQ+ youth against all forms of bullying. 💜
In recent years, the bullies haven’t come from within our schools, but from our various state capitals across our country.… pic.twitter.com/Ft7AlRPrqN
— Justice Horn (@JusticeHorn_) October 17, 2024
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In recognition of #SpiritDay, we read I’ll Walk With You by Carol Lynn Pearson, a book about anti-bullying and inclusivity, to students at Harlem Park Elementary Middle School.
Spirit Day encourages individuals to take a stand against bullying, with specific attention to… pic.twitter.com/ThdAXk1IG7
— Orioles Community (@OsCommunity) October 17, 2024
“On #SpiritDay💜, We Unite in Purple to Promote Pride🏳️🌈 and Support Among LGBTQ+ Youth, While Working Together to Eradicate Bullying✋🛑.” pic.twitter.com/r6oxDYHIgV
— Joseph Hill (@JosephHill3794) October 17, 2024
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💜 Stand Against Bullying and Support LGBTQ+ Youth! 💜
This Spirit Day, we’re wearing purple to show our support for LGBTQ+ youth and take a stand against bullying. Join us on [Date] by wearing purple and posting your message of solidarity using #SpiritDay. pic.twitter.com/KzT7yenq5I— Vanessa Jane, LLC (@VJaneStore) October 17, 2024
The color purple was my mom’s favorite hue, and to me, purple represents royalty. Today, it’s also a powerful symbol of solidarity for #SpiritDay, as we unite against bullying and extend our love to LGBTQ youth. So wear your purple with pride today, and let’s SLAY it! https://t.co/9oslJ1FuIL
— Dillian The Celebrity (@dilliantheceleb) October 17, 2024
Spirit Day is a time to highlight and focus on anti-LGBTQ+ bullying in our youth communities across the world. Our dear friend @GregFilsAime shares his journey of childhood bullying and letting our youth know that we see and support them on this special day. 💜#SpiritDay… pic.twitter.com/GvleDONO5m
— Jack’d (@jackd) October 17, 2024
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💜Serving & Twirling on the news this morning in honor of #spiritday annual day to stand up against bullying of #lgbt youth. 🌈 @nbcwashington grateful to work for a company that celebrates diversity and inclusion throughout the newsroom @glaad #lgbtq #endbullying pic.twitter.com/8xUyN9mRky
— Justin Stewart (@ProducerStewart) October 17, 2024