Today, all over the country, people are wearing purple in honor of “Spirit Day,” a day to speak out and prevent bullying and show support for LGBT youth who are victims of bullying. The name “Spirit Day,” comes from the purple stripe in the Rainbow Flag. Each stripe of the flag represent something different:
- Pink – sexuality
- Red – life
- Orange – healing
- Yellow – sunlight
- Green – Nature
- Turquoise – art
- Blue – serenity/harmony
- Purple – spirit
Spirit Day was started in 2010 by a teenager named Brittany McMillan. She did it in response to teens who had taken their own lives in response to being bullied as a result of being gay. Now, the third Thursday of October, is known as SPIRIT DAY, where millions of people around the country wear purple to show their support.
Spirit Day calls for parents, school personnel, and students to work together, along with highly visible support of grassroots organizations, media outlets, and high profile figures. When youth see a sea of purple, not only in their own school, but on television the internet, as well as from their favorite celebrities, they get the message. (GLAAD.org)
GLAAD – an acronym which stands for, Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation has helped to spread the word. Celebrities, athletes, new anchors, and “everyday people” are wearing purple today to show their support. Unfortunately, bullying is a widespread problem and awareness is key. Everyone deserves to be treated equally and showing support for one another could be the key to acceptance.
Tagged: Brittany McMillan, bullying, don't bully, Gay Marriage, glaad, LGBT, PRIDE, pride flag, purple stripe, respect, spirit day
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