Date
Friday
Oct
17

October 17

Spirit Day

Show your support for Spirit Day by wearing purple and standing up against bullying in all its forms!

Yearly Date
Third Thursday in October​
Type
Day
Category
Cause

Introduction

Show your support for diversity and inclusion on Spirit Day, which takes place on the third Thursday of October! This day was created in 2010 as a way to stand against bullying and show solidarity with LGBTQ+ youth who experience high rates of bullying and harassment. It's also a chance to celebrate everyone’s unique identities, cultures, and backgrounds. Show your pride by wearing purple or sharing your story on social media – no matter how you choose to participate, it will help spread the message that we are all equal. Together, we can create a more inclusive world!

Spirit Day Timeline

2010
Inception of Spirit Day
Inspired by the "Purple My Facebook" campaign, Canadian teen Brittany McMillan founded Spirit Day to honor LGBTQ+ youth who died by suicide.
2010
GLAAD's Involvement
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) started promoting and partnering with Brittany McMillan to grow Spirit Day.
2011
Landmark Support
Major landmarks including the White House, Empire State Building and Oprah Winfrey Network lit up purple in support of Spirit Day.
2012
Global Reach
By this year, Spirit Day gained international recognition with participants from dozens of countries around the globe.
2015
Star-Studded Participation
Spirit Day receives patronage from celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, Laverne Cox, and Cher, further spotlighting the cause.
2016
Corporate Support
Major corporations like Kellogg's, Coca-Cola, and Wells Fargo demonstrates their resolve against bullying by supporting Spirit Day in various ways.

How to Celebrate Spirit Day

1

Wear purple

Wearing purple is a great way to show support for Spirit Day. Whether it's a t-shirt, hat, or even a pair of shoes, wearing purple will help spread awareness about the importance of acceptance and kindness.

2

Organize an event

Host an event in your community to celebrate Spirit Day. Invite friends and family to join in on the festivities and enjoy games, music, food and more.

3

Share messages of hope

Take to social media to share inspiring messages of hope and acceptance. Use the hashtag #SpiritDay to help spread your message.

4

Volunteer

Volunteer at a local organization that works with LGBTQ+ youth or adults and spread awareness about Spirit Day. Offer your time and resources to help make a difference.

5

Educate yourself

Take some time to learn about the history of Spirit Day and the LGBTQ+ community. Read books, watch documentaries, or attend events that help you better understand the issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

Why Spirit Day is Important

A

Spirit Day raises awareness of LGBTQ+ issues

The observance of Spirit Day encourages recognition and support for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) community. By wearing purple and inviting co-workers and friends to participate, more people are made aware that this is an issue worth fighting for.

B

Spirit Day promotes inclusion & acceptance

Spirit day creates a safe and inclusive environment for members of the LGBTQ+ community. It's an important reminder that everyone deserves respect and to be accepted for who they are, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

C

Spirit Day stands against anti-LGBTQ+ violence

It's no secret that LGBTQ+ people still face discrimination and prejudice in many parts of the world. By participating in Spirit Day, we're sending a strong message that anyone - regardless of their gender or sexuality - should be treated equally and with dignity.

Spirit Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Oct 18
Wednesday
2024
Oct 16
Wednesday
2025
Oct 15
Wednesday
2026
Oct 14
Wednesday
2027
Oct 20
Wednesday