United Nations chief shows off his purple tie, socks in observance of Spirit Day

UNITED NATIONS -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has responded to the call to "go purple" on Spirit Day to show solidarity with LGBT youths who face bullying and discrimination. The U.N. chief pointed to his purple tie at a press conference Thursday and then picked up his right trouser leg to show off his matching purple sock.
By · Updated on October 20, 2014
United Nations chief shows off his purple tie, socks in observance of Spirit Day
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon shows off his purple socks and tie on Thursday in observance of Spirit Day.
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (right) shows off his purple socks and tie on Thursday in observance of Spirit Day. BBC

UNITED NATIONS — UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has responded to the call to “go purple” on Spirit Day to show solidarity with LGBT youths who face bullying and discrimination.

Article continues below

The U.N. chief pointed to his purple tie at a press conference Thursday and then picked up his right trouser leg to show off his matching purple sock.

Ban said he almost always wears U.N. blue, but wore an orange tie last year to show support for the U.N.’s campaign to end violence against women.

The secretary-general said “the United Nations will continue to speak out against homophobia — and speak up for the human rights of all LGBT people.”

© 2014, Associated Press, All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Don't forget to share:
Ban Ki Moon Spirit Day United Nations (UN)

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Once Monthly Annually

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

Judge to rule by Monday in challenge to Wyoming same-sex marriage ban

Previous article

Lawsuit alleges New Mexico college student was shunned for anti-gay views

Next article

More on LGBTQ Nation