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National Spirit Day
October 19, 2023
Spirit Day is a day to show solidarity and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youths who face bullying and harassment because of their identity. It is observed on the third Thursday of October every year. The day was started in 2010 by a Canadian teenager named Brittany McMillan, who was inspired by the anti-bullying Pink Shirt Day in Canada. She asked people to wear purple, the color of spirit on the Pride Flag, in remembrance of youths who had committed suicide due to bullying. The day is now organized and promoted by GLAAD, an organization that works to accelerate acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. Millions of people, including celebrities, media outlets, corporations, landmarks, sports teams, and faith groups participate in Spirit Day by wearing purple and sharing messages of support on social media with the hashtags #SpiritDay and #ChooseKindness. Spirit Day is a day to celebrate the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and to remind them that they are not alone.
