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SPIRIT DAY, OCTOBER 15, is a day when millions of people wear the color purple to show their support for trans*, queer*, nonbinary, and same gender loving (TQNB+)1 youth and unite against bullying. The name of the day and the color purple come from the Gilbert Baker Pride Flag, where the purple stripe represents the spirit of the TQNB+ community.2 Spirit Day is the largest and most visible TQNB+ anti-bullying campaign in the world. On Spirit Day 2we invite you to:

START WITH SAFETY. TQNB+ youth deserve places where they are physically, psychologically, and spiritually safe, and where their whole selves are affirmed and celebrated. Sometimes these are online. Help to create, amplify, and preserve safe spaces. Connect young people to them. Be a safe harbor. This saves lives.

INTERRUPT BULLYING.. Bullying happens when we allow it to. Be an active accomplice by intervening and disrupting it. Here’s an example of what this looks like.

PRIORITIZE HEALING. Bullying behavior stems from stress and trauma. As the saying goes, “hurt people hurt people.” When you see bullying, respond with firm boundaries. For those who have been bullied, healing is life-saving work. Whether it’s therapy, breathwork, yoga, or safe refuge, people who have been harmed need urgent, accessible, affordable healing opportunities. For those who bully, examine the underlying mindsets that allow this to happen and get help.