The city of Dallas went purple for GLAAD’s Spirit Day on Thursday with local organizations, podcasts and landmarks participating in the annual event celebrating LGBTQ youth and anti-bullying efforts.
Texas Latino Pride went purple and showed support for GLAAD’s Spirit Day efforts on the Dallas-based organization’s Instagram and Facebook.
“We know, especially in the Lone Star State, our community remains under attack,” the organization said. “Through a unified spirit and commitment to celebrating our lives, we can show LGBTQ youth there is hope and love will prevail.”
Dallas-based podcast “The Papiverse” highlights the intersection of Latine and LGBTQ identity and in a recent episode, candidly discussed the impacts of bullying in recognition of GLAAD’s Spirit Day. The program is hosted by Gerardo Zubiri.
To top off the night, the Bank of America tower in Downtown Dallas lit the city purple in honor of the big day to support the LGBTQ community. Organized by GLAAD’s Jacob Reyes and Texas Latino Pride president Juan Contreras, the iconic Texas landmark shined bright in the Lone Star State and emphasized the importance of LGBTQ support in the South.
It’s been a difficult time for the LGBTQ community in the Lone Star State. Texas lawmakers have advocated and passed harmful legislation including banning life-saving healthcare for transgender Texans, restricting trans athletes in school sports and a failed attempt at banning the art of drag.
Despite the setbacks, organizers in Texas are standing up and showing their support for LGBTQ youth and anti-bullying efforts in the classroom and on the floors of the state capitol in Austin.