Today has been designated as Spirit Day, designed to bring attention to bullying of LGBTQ youth. It was an idea started by Canadian teenager Brittany McMillan, who was saddened by the recent suicides of LGBTQ teens, wanted to do something. On Oct. 2, she announced her plan on her Tumblr:
It’s been decided. On October 20th,
2010, we will wear purple in memory of the recent gay suicides. Many of them suffered from homophobic abuse in their schools or in their homes. We want to take a stand to say that we will not tolerate this. Purple represents Spirit on the LGBTQ flag and that’s exactly what we’d like all of you to have with you: spirit. Please know that times will get better and that you will meet people who will love you and respect you for who you are, no matter your sexua
lity. Please wear purple on October 20th to remember all the lives of LGBTQ youth that have been lost due to homophobia. Tell your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and schools.
NOW GO TUMBLR BLOGGERS, REBLOG LIKE CRAZY! WE WANT EVERYONE IN ON THIS!
Her message was effective, and folks from
all around the world are getting on board with Brittany's message. Spirit Day was officially endorsed by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and really took off on Facebook and Twitter. Even Perez Hilton got into the act, following up on his promise to play "nice." Here's a sampling of some of the #spiritday posts on Facebook and Twitter:
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