Spirit Day

Spirit Day is an annual observance 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 observance gained traction in the United States, quickly becoming a nationwide event. 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, further emphasizing its importance within American society.

In America, 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.