SPIRIT DAY

  • Purple the world!
    Stand up for LGBTI youth.
    Take a stand against bullying.

  • Purple the world!
    Stand up for LGBTI youth.
    Take a stand against bullying.

The challenges young people face growing up are as unique and complex as they are. But young lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people are much more likely to have to deal with being bullied, abused and isolated. As a result, LGBTI young people are at higher risk of dropping out of school, suffering from depression and contemplating suicide.

Parents, teachers, classmates, friends, neighbors and decision-makers all have a role in helping LGBTI young people grow and thrive. Together we can create a world that celebrates and supports all young people, no matter who they are and whom they love.

UN Free & Equal is joining forces with GLAAD to celebrate Spirit Day, the largest, most visible LGBTI  anti-bullying campaign in the world. We’re “going purple” on 17 October​ to show that we stand with LGBTI youth – and we want YOU to join us!

Taking a stand is simple. On 17 October, wear something purple to work or to school and share a selfie on social media. Change your profile picture to Spirit Day Purple. Share this video to initiate a conversation about LGBTI equality with your friends and family members. Spread the word far and wide that you are an ally of young LGBTI people – not just on Spirit Day but every day.

How YOU can support LGBTI kids experiencing bullying the rest of the year:

  • Treat LGBTI people the same as you would anyone else. Would you treat someone who is left-handed differently to someone who is right-handed?
  • Demand acceptance and tolerance from your peers, sometimes it only takes one person to speak out to make a change
  • Speak out and report any hate speech or violence that you witness. Bullies must not be allowed to impact young people’s lives in a negative way.
  • Lead by example. Refer to a person using the pronouns, gender and name that they use to identify themselves and do not refer to, or reveal, a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status without their consent.

Extra steps teachers and others who works with kids can take to protect young LGBTI people from bullying:

  • Be an ally to young people whenever you can; if someone confides in you, be supportive and open minded. Let them talk, it takes a lot of courage to speak openly about how you are truly feeling.
  • Take action when you see bullying, insults and slurs against LGBTI kids.
  • Provide support to youngsters who experience bullying and their families.
  • Help establish support groups that provide support and guidance to young LGBTI people where you work or in your community.medical diagnosis, sterilization, treatment or divorce.
  • When possible, include the contributions of lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex individuals in curriculum, to emphasize they are an important part of our society.

How governments can protect LGBTI young people from bullying:

  • Repeal any laws that criminalize LGBTI people or encourage discrimination.
  • Facilitate, pursue and enforce criminal proceedings against anyone who engages in discrimination or violence against LGBTI people, creating a safer environment for young people to grow up in.
  • Encourage and champion diversity within government and decision-making bodies, which can better represent the public.
  • Provide training and support to teachers and other school staff to prevent and address bullying against LGBTI students.
  • Lift restrictions on discussion of LGBTI related issues in schools.
  • Fund support groups that provide support and guidance to young LGBTI people.

Learn more from these resources from GLAAD:

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