Show your support today, October 20 for gay, bisexual, lesbian, transgender and queer (GBLTQ) youth and speak out against bullying by wearing purple.
GBLTQ teens are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. An increasing number of teens continue to take their own lives after being bullied.
Just last weekend Jamie Hubley, a gay 15-year-old teen in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, killed himself after suffering years of depression and bullying.
Spirit Day was started in 2010 by teenager Brittany McMillan as a response to the young people who had taken their own lives. Observed on October 20, individuals, schools, organizations, corporations wear purple, which symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag. Getting involved is easy — simply “go purple” on October 20 as we all work to create a world in which GBLTQ teens are celebrated and accepted for who they are.
I hope you will wear purple today to support GBLTQ youth. Thanks guys.
I already spoke about this on FB and on my own blog, but I thought I would share it here, too. My ten-year old daughter, Joie, wore her purple shirt and “Ally” bling to school today. She was so proud until she got to class and was told by her peers and one teacher that there is no such thing as “purple day” This embarrassed and angered her so much that I felt compelled to write a note to the principle. *sigh* It seems like we have such a long way to go when it comes to the bullying issue.
How horrible for your daughter. 🙁 I think many teachers and the entire school system are just as big a threat to GBLTQ kids as the bullies. Most of them are still living in the 20th century.
Thanks, Wave. She’s feeling a lot better, but she’s still confused as to why everybody doesn’t want to support this cause. To her being LGBTQ is no big deal, because her older brother is gay. She thinks Cody is perfect the way he is and she believes that everybody should think the same thing.
I am so sorry Stephani, I am glad that your daughter decided to speak up though.
I did wear purple, but while I like symbolic support, I always feel that I need to do something more. I try to give to charities, but maybe I should try harder to find time to volunteer.
Just want to clarify that I think any shows of support are great, but I feel the same way for example when I am talking on the phone with the friend who lives on another side of the country (US) and going through tough time. I just always feel frustrated when all I can offer is the symbolic support (even money wise, I still feel frustrated).
Sirius-You do a ton, just by writing on this blog and showing your support. If your words manage to make even one person see the error of their ways, then you’ve done a terrific job and something tells me you’ve touched a lot of people already.
Thanks, I guess I should just keep reminding myself that every small bit of support counts.
Sirius
We all do what we can. I volunteer with an organization for at risk teens and also contribute financially to other organizations. You support them in your own way.
Very true Wave, we all do what we can.