Spirit Day is celebrated annually on the third Thursday of October and aims to support LGBTQ+ youth and advocate against bullying. Today, on Oct. 20, millions will come together to raise awareness about the bullying that LGBTQ+ communities face while also taking pride in their identity. Spirit Day is meant to celebrate who you are and promote visibility of the LGBTQ+ community.
Spirit Day was started back in 2010 by Canadian teen Brittany McMillan. McMillan had been scrolling on Tumblr and came across heartbreaking news of bully-related suicides of gay teenagers. Feeling moved by the news, McMillan wanted to do something to make a difference and spread awareness. She made a Tumblr account and asked students everywhere to wear purple to support LGBTQ+ youth (purple represents spirit on the Pride Flag). McMillan’s posts got the attention of GLAAD, who helped amplify Spirit Day.
Although the LGBTQ+ community has been historically ostracized, the community has especially faced challenges this year. More than 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in states across the country, including harmful legislation like the “Don’t Say Gay Bill” that passed in Florida and other bills that seriously target transgender kids. Celebrating Spirit Day and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community is more important than ever this year, with 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ youth reported being physically threatened or harmed in their lifetime due to their identity. Put simply, these alarming numbers show the need for change.
“If I had more visibility when I was younger I would’ve felt more comfortable in my own skin and not so afraid to be myself.”
Xavier, 21, a student at Valencia College
Xavier, 21, a student at Valencia College, shares his personal experience with getting bullied for who he is. “If I had more visibility when I was younger I would’ve felt comfortable in my own skin and not so afraid to be myself. I would’ve felt more seen and more heard,” he tells Her Campus. “There’s so much bullying in schools and it happened to me, sadly, because I was gay. I think more queer visibility would’ve stopped all the bullying and all the sh*t that me and others in the LGBTQ+ community had to go through.”
There are lots of ways to get involved and stand up against bullying this Spirit Day. Xavier shares that he’s going to be working on Thursday, but that won’t stop him from celebrating. “Last year I had to work, too. My manager and I wore purple to support LGBTQ+ youth and we’re wearing purple again this year. We encouraged everyone at work to wear purple, too. We wanted to advocate however we could.”
“I’m going to wear pride merch and walk around the student union with pride signs. LGBTQ+ visibility is about being seen, heard, and proud of our identities.”
Joseph, 20, a junior at the University of Central Florida
Joseph, 20, a junior at the University of Central Florida, is trying to increase LGBTQ+ visibility on campus this Spirit Day. “I’m going to wear pride merch and walk around the student union with pride signs,” Joseph tells Her Campus. “LGBTQ+ visibility is about being seen, heard, and proud of our identities. I strive to educate more people on LGBTQ+ rights and history. I want to encourage people to become more open-minded.”
Educating others on the LGBTQ+ community is a must for us to progress as a society. “I am celebrating Spirit Day by educating others. Educating others is a must during this time,” Josh, 21, tells Her Campus. “Spirit Day is so important to me because I want to be able to express myself fully and completely, without fear of outside judgment.”
An easy way to participate in Spirit Day is by taking the GLAAD pledge. By signing the pledge, you’re standing up against bullying and letting your community know you support LGBTQ+ youth on Spirit Day and all year long. Having a visible community is so important to LGBTQ+ youth. Grace, 21, a student at the University of Florida, says, “I will be celebrating Spirit Day by just being me. LGBTQ+ visibility has helped me really figure out who I am, but if I knew about certain topics when I was little I think I would be much better off. I wish there was even more visibility today for kids who struggle with being themselves, but I’m happy with the progress we’ve made this far.”
“I’ll be celebrating Spirit Day by spending time with the people who mean most to me and expressing my gratitude and support for all the people, organizations, and resources that play a part in making it safe for LGBTQ+ people to express their true identities.”
Patrick, 21, a senior at Florida State University
LGBTQ+ visibility allows individuals to feel safe enough to be their authentic selves. Patrick, 21, a senior at Florida State University, tells Her Campus how liberating that was for him. “LGBTQ+ visibility facilitated me feeling comfortable and confident to be my authentic self. Being in environments where I felt safe and saw the support around me allowed me to let down my guard and just live my life. It’s impossible to describe how freeing that was,” he says. “I’ll be celebrating Spirit Day by spending time with the people who mean most to me and expressing my gratitude and support for all the people, organizations, and resources around me that play a part in making it safe for LGBTQ+ people to express their true identities.”
Emily, 23, tells Her Campus, “I’m going to wear a pride pin at work to show people I’m part of and support the queer community. Hopefully, by showing that support in a small way, I’ll make others feel safe. I may donate to an LGBTQ+ organization, too.” Donating to support Spirit Day is a way to show solidarity with LGBTQ+ youth. PSA: In honor of Spirit Day, if you donate to GLAAD through Oct. 20, your gift will be matched up to $25,000.
Whether you’re an ally or part of the LGBTQ+ community, go purple today on Oct. 20 and spread the word to support LGBTQ+ youth and stand up against bullying.