Posted Thu, 16 Oct 2014, 8:03am by Ian Watson
October 16, 2014 is GLAAD #SpiritDay. Take a stand against Bullying and go Purple.
Millions go purple on Spirit Day in a stand against bullying and to show their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth. Observed annually since 2010, individuals, schools, organizations, corporations, and public figures wear purple, which symbolizes 'spirit' on the rainbow flag.
Bullying continues to be a big problem within our schools, sports organizations, workplaces, and even within our own community. We are all aware of the results of bullying, it's direct link to depression, excessive drug and alcohol abuse, and the stats on suicide and overdoses. Many of us have been personal affected or touched by people we've lost to this. Ok granted, they aren't all attributed to bullying, but it's a proven contributing factor in most cases. We're losing too many people too early.
The ideals of Spirit Day, while officially observed today, should be upheld everyday.
What can you do?
On Friday October 16, 2014 - Wear Purple to show your support!
When someone asks "Why is everyone wearing purple today?" explain that it's for spirt day in a stand against bullying.
Don't be a bully yourself. Calling people names, making fun of them, or judging them; HURTS. It doesn't matter what age they are. Even if it's your best friend, and it's all in jest, you don't know for sure everything going on in their lives and how it's making them feel.
When you see bullying: Speak up! Let others know that you won't tolerate bullying, in any form. When people see that their words are not being supported, typically they stop.
Don't bully back. Trying to stop a bully by calling them names back just makes you a bully. Even if you're trying to do it in support of someone, it just perpetuates the problem and makes you no better than them. Plus in the larger picture of trying to fight for LGBT rights and equality, it just makes our whole community look bad.
Say a kind word. Make it a point to compliment or encourage some randon new person everyday. You have no idea what impact a kind word to a stranger could have on their life.
Let's make the world a better place, take a stand against bullying.
Today, show your support, and wear purple.
Click here for more information about GLAAD SpirtDay.
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