(Watch) What is Spirit Day and How to Support: Interview with Monica Trasandes 

Have you ever noticed people wearing purple on a particular day in October? That’s Spirit Day in action! Every year, on the 3rd Thursday of October, people stand up against bullying and show some love to the LGBTQ+ youth. 

What’s the story behind Spirit Day?

The inception of Spirit Day traces back to 2010 when a Canadian teenager named Brittany McMillan felt compelled to respond to a series of tragic suicides among gay school students. One such heart-wrenching incident was the loss of Tyler Clementi. With the support of GLAAD, Brittany’s vision transformed into a global movement.

“Ultimately, I want Spirit Day to make just one person feel a little bit better about his or herself, to feel safe enough in their own skin to be proud of who they are.” Said Brittany about the creation of the event. 

To explain more about this day, Monica Trasandes, Director of Spanish-language media for GLAAD, came to our studios to talk about -Spirit Day- with Enrique Sapene and Victor Ramos, hosts of The Q Agenda. Here is the interview:

Purpose and Goals of Spirit Day

The core mission of Spirit Day is clear: to combat bullying against LGBTQ+ youth and foster environments where they can thrive. By wearing purple, participants make a visible statement against bullying and stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ victims.

If you wonder why the color purple? This is because the color purple symbolizes the spirit of the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag, making it the perfect emblem for this day of awareness.

Impact of Spirit Day

Over the years, Spirit Day has garnered significant attention and support. Hollywood celebrities, sports teams, and even landmarks like the Empire State Building have gone purple in solidarity. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of support, with event pages on Facebook attracting millions of users worldwide. The movement has not only raised awareness but has also sparked essential conversations about acceptance and inclusivity.

How to Participate in Spirit Day

Participation in Spirit Day is simple yet impactful:

• Wear Purple: Don a purple outfit or accessory as a sign of support.
• Educate: Familiarize yourself with the challenges faced by LGBTQ youth, especially the alarming rates of bullying and its tragic consequences.
• Spread the Word: Use platforms like social media to share the significance of Spirit Day, using the hashtag #SpiritDay.
• Take the Pledge: Commit to standing against bullying by taking the Spirit Day pledge on GLAAD’s website.

To donate or be part of this beautiful cause, please visit the GLAAD website here.