Spirit Day 2015
Could you imagine a close friend or family member suffering for just being who they are? I have no tolerance for people who think it is OK to bully other people. If growing up isn’t hard enough. We all need love and support to flourish in this lifetime. This is why I absolutely love Spirit Day! It shines a big bright light on the issue of bullying LGBT youth. And thank you to people like Brittany McMillan who spoke up for change back in 2010 and has created a huge ripple effect. Her voice was heard and now you can see a sea of purple across the globe, with companies like, Wells Fargo, Target, iHeart Radio and many more from communities, corporations, celebrities, landmarks, faith groups, sports leagues and schools. #spiritday #choosekindness
Stats
- Eight out of ten LGBT youth report being bullied at school.
- Students who are bullied are more likely to skip school and get lower grades
- They are also less likely to plan for college
- LGBT youth are also at an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior
- Over 55% of LGBT youth feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation
- Over 50% of LGBT students hear homophobic remarks about their sexual orientation from teachers and/or staff
- Over 60% of LGBT students who reported bullying to staff, the staff did nothing
For more facts visit www.gladd.com
Where did the idea come from?
An amazing teenager, Brittany McMillan, wanted to remember those young people who lost their lives to suicide and to take a stand against bullying.
How Do you Show Your Support?
- We celebrate by showing support by wearing purple, the color on the rainbow that symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag and by pledging.
- Share the spirit day images on your social media.
- Tweet your Sprit Day pictures to @glass
- Start the conversation in your area!
- Organize your own Spirit Day in your area.
Will you pledge to go purple for Spirit Day 2015?
On October 15th show your colors! Bullying is something we will not tolerate! #spiritday
