Spirit Day 2025: Standing Up for Trans, Nonbinary, and all LGBTQIA Youth

Written by Dana Grayson on October 16, 2025. Posted in iCarol.

Content Warning: This blog post discusses suicide ideation and attempts among LGBTQIA2S youth.

Spirit Day is observed each year on the third Thursday of October. It is a powerful, global movement where millions wear purple to show solidarity with LGBTQIA2S youth and speak out against bullying and harassment.

What Is Spirit Day?

Spirit Day began in 2010 as a grassroots online campaign started by Canadian teenager Brittany McMillan after she learned about a series of suicides among gay teens attributed to bullying and harassment. She invited people to wear purple, the color symbolizing spirit on the Pride flag, to send a simple but strong message of love and support for LGBTQ youth. GLAAD joined in, helping to grow the campaign into an international day of visibility and compassion.

The History and Meaning

Brittany McMillan’s idea resonated widely and within weeks, students, celebrities, corporations, and major media networks joined her effort to show support for LGBTQIA youth and prevent bullying. The significance of the day is both remembrance and empowerment. It gives voice to those who have suffered from bullying and discrimination and reminds communities to create safe, inclusive spaces. Today, participants worldwide turn social media and landmarks purple to honor the cause.

Why Spirit Day Matters

LGBTQIA youth still experience frequent bullying, harassment, and exclusion. A 2024 Trevor Project survey on the mental health of LGBTQ young people found:

82% of students report feeling unsafe in school due to at least one of their personal characteristics.
39% of LGBTQ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year – including 46% of transgender and nonbinary young people. LGBTQ youth of color reported higher rates than their White peers.
Nearly half (49%) of LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-17 experienced bullying in the past year, and those who did reported significantly higher rates attempting suicide in the past year than those who did not experience bullying.
90% of LGBTQ+ young people said their well-being was negatively impacted due to recent politics.

Celebrating Spirit Day means sending a powerful message: LGBTQ youth deserve to be safe, valued, and empowered to live authentically—every day and everywhere.

Spirit Day amplifies the message that every child deserves to grow up feeling safe and supported for who they are. LGBTQIA youth, especially transgender and nonbinary young people, continue to face disproportionately high levels of harassment, isolation, and violence. It is also a day of gratitude for educators, counselors, and crisis professionals who stand with these youth daily, helping them live openly, authentically, and confidently.

How to Celebrate and Make a Difference

There are many meaningful ways to participate:

Wear purple and encourage others to do the same as a visible show of support.
Take the GLAAD Spirit Day pledge and post messages using #SpiritDay to raise awareness online.
Host community discussions or youth-led events that promote mental wellness, inclusion, and allyship.
Support LGBTQ organizations and educators who provide safe spaces for youth.
Advocate year-round, speaking up when you witness bullying or intolerance.
Contact your legislators and others in power to stand against proposals and legislation that is harmful to LGBTQIA youth.

Thank You, LGBTQ Youth Advocates!

Spirit Day is a moment to recognize not just the brave youth who face harassment, but those who dedicate their careers to uplifting and protecting LGBTQIA2S youth. This includes the teachers who create affirming classrooms, counselors who guide coming-out journeys, social workers who advocate for safe housing, and helpline staff who listen with empathy. Their support reminds young people that their truth is valid, their identity is beautiful, and their lives matter deeply.

Wearing purple is a powerful symbol, but walking alongside LGBTQ youth with empathy, respect, and unwavering support is how real change happens. We hope you will take the pledge to stand beside LGBTQ youth in solidarity, fostering a world where every person can live freely, proudly, and without fear, and live your lift in a way that honors that pledge not just on Spirit Day, but every day.

References:
GLAAD
The Advocate
The Trevor Project
National Today