Spirit Day

Spirit Day History

Spirit Day is aimed at raising awareness and showing support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth who experience bullying and harassment. Its primary focus is on fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for these individuals, by encouraging participants to wear purple as a symbol of solidarity. Spirit Day also serves to promote education around the problems associated with bullying, and encourages society to find solutions to reduce this harmful behavior.

Spirit Day originated in 2010 as a response to the tragic suicides of several LGBTQ teenagers who faced relentless bullying due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. The timing of Spirit Day has significance for Americans, as it occurs during National Bullying Prevention Month in October. In recent years, prominent public figures, celebrities, businesses, and schools across the country have participated and shown their support for the observance.

Spirit Day is primarily observed by wearing purple clothing or accessories, which can be easily incorporated into school uniforms, work attire, or casual outfits. Social media platforms also play a significant role in raising awareness and promoting participation, with hashtags such as #SpiritDay and #ChooseKindness being used to share stories, resources, and messages of support. American organizations and individuals join millions around the world in recognizing Spirit Day, which occurs annually on the third Thursday of October.

Spirit Day facts

• Ultimately, I want Spirit Day to make just one person feel a little bit better about his or herself, to feel safe enough in their own skin to be proud of who they are - Brittany McMillan
• Participants on this day often wear purple as a visible sign of support for LGBTQ youth.
• Spirit Day was first created in response to a series of bullying-related suicides of LGBTQ students in 2010.
• 70% of LGBTQ students reported being verbally harassed according to the U.S National School Climate Survey in 2017.
• 71% of LGBTQ students reported hearing homophobic remarks from teachers and staff according to the U.S National School Climate Survey in 2017.

In the News and Trending in the US for Spirit Day

Top things to do in the US for Spirit Day

• Wear purple dress or attire as a show of solidarity for those LGBTQ students who may be facing bullying or harassment.
• Take a pledge against bullying by signing your name at Take the Pledge Against Bullying
• Donate to reputable charities such as the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice or The Trevor Project.
• Spirit Day is an excellent occasion to educate yourself and others about the difficulties LGBTQ+ individuals face, including bullying, discrimination, and violence.
• Wearing a purple shirt, tie, scarf, or any other item of clothing is a way that many choose to celebrate and show their support.