The world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) media advocacy organization, GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), has announced that Thursday, Oct. 21 is Spirit Day.
It’s a day for participants to wear purple or go purple online in a united stand against bullying and to show their support for LGBTQ+ youth. The meaning behind the title Spirit Day and the choice of the colour purple is because the colour purple symbolizes spirit on the rainbow pride flag.
Spirit Day started back in 2010, with the organization having hundreds of participants from celebrities, media outlets, brands, landmarks, sports leagues, tech leaders, influencers, faith groups, school districts, and more standing up to LGBTQ+ bullying.
This year stars such as Barbra Streisand, Chloe X Halle, Hailee Steinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, Symone (and other “Ru Paul’s Drag Race” queens) are participating, alongside outlets such as “Good Morning America”, “The View”, “E! News”, “Entertainment Tonight”, and “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen” – just to name a few!
“Ru Paul’s Drag Race” winner, Symone visited the Empire State Building dressed in head to toe purple in honour of Spirit Day alongside Empire State Realty Trust EVP and CFO Christina Chiu.

ET Canada’s very own Dallas Dixon had this to say about this very special day. “Today is a very important day for our LGTBQ+ youth.
As someone who was once bullied for being queer, I could only wish Spirit Day existed when I was growing up – but I am beyond thankful it exists now. The youth are our future and that includes all the beautiful queer children who need to feel love and support to live their most authentic, beautiful lives. I hope you wear purple today and show your support against bullying and harassment. Head over to www.glaad.org/spiritday to find out more!”
RELATED: Demi Lovato leads ‘Glee’ Cast In Honouring Naya Rivera During GLAAD Media Awards
The day kicked off in Atlanta with none of than Lil Nas X, accompanied by a choir of members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as local HIV and LGBTQ+ leaders. Everyone wore purple Spirit Day robes as they performed songs from Lil Nas X’s latest album, Montero.
RELATED: Lil Nas X Gets Emotional As Atlanta Declares October 20 ‘Lil Nas X Day’
GLAAD has also just released a new short film in honour of Spirit Day, the short showcases a trans young person’s experience returning to school for the first time as their authentic self.
Spirit Day couldn’t have come at a better time considering all the controversy surrounding Dave Chappelle’s recent Netflix special in which he made some transphobic and homophobic jokes. Which has even led Netflix head, Ted Sarandos, into some deep water for supporting Chappelle and the special in the first place.
Nonetheless, Spirit Day is a day to stand up against LGBTQ+ discrimination, bullying, and hate. The campaign is calling those in the community to share the first time they saw themselves positively represented in meeting in hopes of impacting the media landscape and inspiring LGBTQ+ youth. Participants are encouraged to share their stories on all social media platforms on Spirit Day on Oct. 21. Use the hashtag #SpiritDay and tag @GLAAD on your posts.
Former Spirit Day participants include Britney Spears, Mariah Cary, Celine Dion, Sam Smith, Oprah Winfrey, the Obama White House, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and many more.
It’s #SpiritDay! Go purple now to take a stand against bullying and to support LGBTQ youth https://t.co/0jWauJzb7c pic.twitter.com/o34C4ucceJ
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) October 21, 2021
Thank you to @DrewBarrymoreTV for supporting #SpiritDay and supporting LGBTQ youth. We love you @DrewBarrymore and @helloross! 💜💜 pic.twitter.com/Ub9IiZFzjs
— GLAAD (@glaad) October 21, 2021
https://t.co/hBK3R2Mxys
…#protectlgbtqyouth#transisbeauitufl#stopbullying#spiritday— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) October 21, 2021
It’s #SpiritDay!! Go purple now to take a stand against bullying and to support LGBTQ youth 💜https://t.co/beR6A4Eywx pic.twitter.com/Rrg1ESS0vf
— Jonas Brothers (@jonasbrothers) October 21, 2021
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVTB4KnvAGi/,
Today on #SpiritDay, millions are wearing purple to take a stand against bullying and in support of LGBTQ youth. Whether you came out years ago, are speaking your truth today, aren’t ready yet or plan to someday soon, never doubt that you are seen, you are heard & you are loved. pic.twitter.com/Yfc7k30H7J
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) October 21, 2021
Happy #SpiritDay https://t.co/wyiLUglLR7
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) October 21, 2021
Take a little time to enjoy @TheView co-hosts in purple in support of #SpiritDay! Take the pledge now to support LGBTQ youth: https://t.co/AJXrimYJKz pic.twitter.com/4QJh0fXnJt
— GLAAD (@glaad) October 21, 2021
I’m wearing purple for #SpiritDay today! But since this new dad hasn’t had a shower in two days and is covered in formula, let me just post this pic and say you can always count on me in your corner. Show your support for LGBTQIA+ youth by visiting @glaad today. pic.twitter.com/7SWXCciOIc
— Chasten Buttigieg (@Chasten) October 21, 2021
Today we wear purple for #SpiritDay to take a stand against LGBTQI+ bullying and harassment. We will fight for you each and every day. You are loved for who you are. 💜 @glaad @CallMeKatFOX pic.twitter.com/QilGqnPsYv
— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) October 21, 2021
Celebrating #SpiritDay with @ElvisDuranShow and @glaad. Take the pledge to stand against bullying: https://t.co/QDWsNmrjDV
— Elvis Duran (@elvisduran) October 21, 2021
Today is #SpiritDay. Go purple to #UseYourVoice and take a stand against bullying & support LGBTQ+ youth! Join us by taking the pledge against bullying with our friends @glaad 💜 https://t.co/YtOGih2Qcm pic.twitter.com/hHXmYcHlpW
— ONEREPUBLIC (@OneRepublic) October 21, 2021
#SpiritDay has arrived. Join me and go purple now to stand against bullying 💜💜 @glaad pic.twitter.com/fEBn3HwVXK
— Meghan Trainor (@Meghan_Trainor) October 21, 2021
I am with you today and every day. 💜 Go purple for #SpiritDay to take a stand against bullying and to support LGBTQIA+ youth. @glaad https://t.co/hlCn1sWLl2 pic.twitter.com/NGMBXao3HV
— Mickey Guyton (@MickeyGuyton) October 21, 2021
Today is #SpiritDay 💜 Go purple now if you’re against bullying!https://t.co/AiOCyggIxx pic.twitter.com/aez6YVMQal
— Michael Bolton (@mbsings) October 21, 2021
No one should be bullied or called names simply for being who they are. That’s why I’m wearing purple for #SpiritDay! 💜 @glaad pic.twitter.com/XNz5DDpqdH
— Ted Danson (@TedDanson) October 21, 2021
today is #spiritday & it’s a moment for all of us both in and outside the lgbtq community to visibly show solidarity in standing up against the bullying our younger queer generation disproportionately faces every day. take the pledge to go purple w me: https://t.co/BY5cG9sP9H pic.twitter.com/dBnhxZShHe
— FLETCHER (@findingfletcher) October 21, 2021
It’s #SpiritDay! Go purple now to take a stand against bullying and to support LGBTQ youth. pic.twitter.com/uDeQoeQ91f
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) October 21, 2021
Let's remind every young person that it's okay to be who you are. On #SpiritDay we stand against bullying and show support for LGBTQ youth. Go purple now and join in 💜 @glaad pic.twitter.com/bVIVLHIjZR
— amber ruffin (@ambermruffin) October 21, 2021
I’m going purple with @glaad today to support #lgbtq youth. Will u join me? pic.twitter.com/vyQpNcbOvs
— Ty Herndon (@TyHerndoncom) October 21, 2021