Go purple for Spirit Day

United stand against bullying, October15th

GLAAD, the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy organization, today launched the official countdown to Spirit Day, the largest and most visible anti-bullying campaign in the world accelerating acceptance of LGBT youth.

Spirit Day, which takes place on October 15, inspires millions of people around the world to wear purple or ‘go purple’ online in a unified stand against bullying and to show their support for LGBT youth. Each year, Spirit Day draws the participation of celebrities, corporations, media outlets, sports leagues, schools, faith institutions, national landmarks, and individuals.

“Since 2010, Spirit Day has cast unprecedented light on the issue of bullying and its disproportionate impact on LGBT youth,” said GLAAD CEO and President Sarah Kate Ellis. “This year, Spirit Day and GLAAD’s anti-bullying resources will reach more young people than ever with messages of empowerment and acceptance.” 

According to GLSEN's 2013 National School Climate Survey, 85 percent of LGBT students report they have been verbally harassed with 65 percent reporting that they have heard homophobic remarks frequently or often in school. GLSEN also reported that 30 percent of students missed at least one day of school in a given month because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable in their school environment.

“LGBT youth deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Laysha Ward, Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Target. “To be comfortable with and proud of who they are. To be free to be exactly who they were born to be. We are excited to be a Spirit Day presenting partner, working with GLAAD to raise awareness around the issue of bullying in the LGBT youth community.

“Helping to address the challenges facing LGBT youth – and all youth – is a passion for Wells Fargo,” said John Lake, LGBT segment leader, Wells Fargo. “We are honored to work alongside GLAAD to bring visibility to this issue and those it impacts.”

To mark the countdown to Spirit Day and the back-to-school season, GLAAD today also launched critical anti-bullying bullying resources for educators, parents, and students. GLAAD’s Anti-bullying Resource Kit (ARK) provides tools and information for teachers that help keep bullying out of the classroom, and help both teachers and parents support LGBT youth. Also launched today, GLAAD’s Spirit Day Kit helps people of all ages bring Spirit Day directly to their community, including schools and local media outlets.

Coinciding with National Bullying Prevention Month, Spirit Day began in 2010 after a high school student posted the idea to her Tumblr page following the suicide deaths of several LGBT and LGBT-perceived young people.

For more information on Spirit Day and how GLAAD accelerates acceptance, visit www.glaad.org/spiritday.

About GLAAD: As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.

The Gayly – October 15, 2015 @ 12:25pm.