Spirit Day: Go Purple on October 19

What is Spirit Day?

An annual day in October when millions of Americans wear purple to speak out against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth.

Where did the idea come from?

An amazing teenager named Brittany McMillan wanted to remember those young people who lost their lives to suicide and to take a stand against bullying.

Who participates?

Students, schools, organizations, corporations, media professionals, celebrities, parents and many more. Everyone from Oprah to the cast of Jersey Shore went purple last year. Even the White House joined the cause! Check out this year's Spirit Day Ambassadors.

How do I get involved?

It’s easy! Simply take the pledge to "go purple" on October 19th as we work to create a world in which LGBT teens are celebrated and accepted for who they are. You can also download our Spirit Day resource kit, which has ways you can turn your community purple. Spirit Day participants can also spread the word and tell their friends that they're standing up against bullying.

Support LGBT youth and stand against bullying! When you text PURPLE to 80888, you are supporting the important work GLAAD, GLSEN and The Trevor Project do every day!

What is Spirit Day?

Millions of Americans wear purple on Spirit Day as a sign of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth and to speak out against bullying. Spirit Day was started in 2010 as a response to the young people who had taken their own lives. Observed annually, individuals, schools, organizations, corporations, media professionals and celebrities wear purple, which symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag. Getting involved is easy -- participants are asked to simply "go purple" on October 19th as we work to create a world in which LGBT teens are celebrated and accepted for who they are. Learn more & go purple at www.glaad.org/spiritday.