Navigating life as young people is difficult enough, but LGBTQ+ youth face additional hardships due to their sexuality, gender expression, and gender identity. 70.1% of LGBTQ+ students have experienced verbal harassment and bullying based on their sexual orientation, according to the GLSEN National School Climate Survey. More than half chose not to report the incidents.
This issue is bigger than bullying in schools. It is an indication of general attitudes in society and unfortunately, there is still a long way to go. Young people need acceptance from their friends and family to safely learn about their own identities and grow into confident adults. How can we help the youth with that?
Just as anyone can be a negative influence on someone’s life, anyone can help in making others’ lives easier. This October, make sure you’re on the right side of history and show that you support LGBTQ+ youth.
Wear purple on October 21
One way to stand against bullying and support LGBTQ+ youth is to take part in Spirit Day, this year on October 21st. Millions of participants “go purple” for the event: the easiest ways are to wear purple clothing or add a purple frame to your social media accounts. Other ways to participate include educating yourself on the topic, spreading the word, and donating to relevant charities supporting LGBTQ+ youth. You can find more information and resources on GLAAD’s Spirit Day page.
By going purple and participating in the event on Spirit Day, you are sending a clear signal that you not only support LGBTQ+ youth but also are aware of the struggles they face. For students, seeing acceptance from their classmates or parents can encourage them to stay strong even when life gets hard. For someone who gets verbally harassed for their identity, seeing even a stranger wearing purple on Spirit Day can be a reminder that there is someone on their side.
How Spirit Day started
The Spirit Day tradition was started in 2010 by a Canadian teenager Brittany McMillan. What started as a call to action to show the true spirit for LGBTQ+ students’ turned into a full-fledged public campaign in the world. McMillan was a high school student when she joined forces with GLAAD to create a way of showing the true spirit of support for LGBTQ+ youth. Anyone can join and be an ally, from friends and classmates to local media, celebrities, companies, and public officials.
In a world where LGBTQ+ students face bullying and harassment just for their identities, Spirit Day offers understanding and acceptance. McMillan was inspired to start Spirit Day in response to several bullying-related suicides of gay teens.
According to statistics, queer and trans people are more at risk for attempting suicide, with over 90% of those attempts happening before they turn 25. Wearing purple does not fix all the issues, but it does show them that you are standing by them.
Taimi stands with Spirit Day and LGBTQ+ youth
Even a seemingly small gesture can mean a lot for a young queer person. It is easy to feel like you have nobody on your side when you face constant bullying and don’t feel safe reporting it to your teachers – or even worse when the school staff themselves engage in it. These experiences are unfortunately commonplace for LGBTQ+ youth.
Taimi’s COO Jake Vygnan is no stranger to these issues himself. “During my youth, I’ve encountered my fair share of discrimination, bullying, and hate. I’ve seen how my close ones struggle with their sexuality, and subsequently suffer from mental health issues.”
Jake has been a driving force in our team to open discussions about such difficult topics. The more people are aware of the issues and the events created in support, the easier it is to understand and show solidarity. Spirit Day is just one of the initiatives that Taimi supports that takes a stand for the LGBTQ+ community.
Get involved in Spirit Day
Join us on October 21 for Spirit Day! Go purple, speak up, and take a stand. Sign the pledge on GLAAD’s Spirit Day page to join millions of others who stand against bullying. In a world where so many of us feel alone, you can make a difference for someone by reaching out to let them know they are valued and accepted just as they are. Go purple and be someone’s person this Spirit Day.
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About Taimi: Taimi is the world’s largest LGBTQ+ platform that features a social network and dating app. Taimi offers the safest and most secure user experience on the market — with its several verification layers, 24/7 profile moderation, PIN/Fingerprint/Face ID, and live support. The platform’s fundamental policy is zero-tolerance for judgment, discrimination, hate, or aggression.
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