Today is Spirit Day, a day in which people wear purple to show their opposition to the bullying of LGBTQ youth.
While the day has become an annual event, this year numerous TV networks, sports teams, politicians, and celebrities tweeted photos and videos showing their support. Even New York City’s Empire State Building and Times Square are wearing purple.
Related: Kellogg’s anti-bullying Spirit Day video is going to break the web today
Sarah Kate Ellis, the CEO of the LGBTQ media watchdog group GLAAD, wrote, “So happy to be with @the_symonee to light the @EmpireStateBldg purple in support of LGBTQ youth for #SpiritDay! 💜💜💜”.
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So happy to be with @the_symonee to light the @EmpireStateBldg purple in support of LGBTQ youth for #SpiritDay! 💜💜💜 pic.twitter.com/H2dLttxG6M
— Sarah Kate Ellis (@sarahkateellis) October 21, 2021
The National Black Justice Coalition wrote, “Today is #SpiritDay 💜 Go purple now if you’re against bullying! Join us and go purple now to stand against bullying 💜💜”.
Today is #SpiritDay 💜 Go purple now if you’re against bullying!
Join us and go purple now to stand against bullying 💜💜
Click the link for more infohttps://t.co/VgcpNbRsou pic.twitter.com/vdbDTLl4vT— NBJC (@NBJContheMove) October 21, 2021
The Democratic Party wrote, “Democrats stand with LGBTQ+ youth against bullying and harassment; today and every day. #SpiritDay”.
Democrats stand with LGBTQ+ youth against bullying and harassment; today and every day. #SpiritDay pic.twitter.com/QvPqNzHOiW
— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) October 21, 2021
Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) wrote, “No one should ever be bullied, harassed or live in fear because of who they are and who they love. You deserve to show up as you are and live your truth. #SpiritDay”
No one should ever be bullied, harassed or live in fear because of who they are and who they love. You deserve to show up as you are and live your truth. #SpiritDay
— Tammy Duckworth (@TammyDuckworth) October 21, 2021
Gay legislator Mark Takano wrote, “I’m wearing purple for #SpiritDay to stand up against anti-LGBTQ+ bullying. As a former teacher, I know how important it is for our youth and our students to feel safe, heard, and empowered. Today and everyday, we refuse to tolerate hate.”
I'm wearing purple for #SpiritDay to stand up against anti-LGBTQ+ bullying.
As a former teacher, I know how important it is for our youth and our students to feel safe, heard, and empowered. Today and everyday, we refuse to tolerate hate. pic.twitter.com/eYU2ppQ5GG
— Mark Takano (@RepMarkTakano) October 21, 2021
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas wrote, “On LGBTQI+ #SpiritDay, we honor the memory of those we have lost to bullying and hate. We must continue to fight to eradicate intolerance, discrimination, bullying, hate, and violence toward LGBTQ+ persons and in our communities.”
On LGBTQI+ #SpiritDay, we honor the memory of those we have lost to bullying and hate. We must continue to fight to eradicate intolerance, discrimination, bullying, hate, and violence toward LGBTQ+ persons and in our communities.
— Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas (@SecMayorkas) October 21, 2021
The White House Office of Public Engagement wrote, “Today we wear purple for #SpiritDay to take a stand against LGBTQI+ bullying and harassment. To LGBTQI+ youth: you are loved for you are and we will continue to fight for you every day.”
Today we wear purple for #SpiritDay to take a stand against LGBTQI+ bullying and harassment. To LGBTQI+ youth: you are loved for you are and we will continue to fight for you every day. pic.twitter.com/DF9sOaa7Zm
— White House Office of Public Engagement (@WhiteHouseOPE46) October 21, 2021
The United Nations wrote, “Young LGBTIQ+ people are much more likely to be bullied, abused & isolated – simply because of who they are or whom they love.On Thursday’s #SpiritDay, join UN @free_equal & support LGBTIQ+ youth. http://unfe.org/spiritday/ #StandUp4HumanRights”.
Young LGBTIQ+ people are much more likely to be bullied, abused & isolated – simply because of who they are or whom they love.
On Thursday's #SpiritDay, join UN @free_equal & support LGBTIQ+ youth. https://t.co/N21dBUhVsC #StandUp4HumanRights pic.twitter.com/1pd9MsmmGI
— United Nations (@UN) October 20, 2021
GLAAD also shared images of Times Square in New York City all lit up in purple as well the hosts of the talk programs Good Morning America, The View and Live with Kelly and Ryan wearing purple on set, including CBS morning host Gayle King.
Screens all over Times Square in New York City are purple today in honor of #SpiritDay! pic.twitter.com/YpowTah3et
— GLAAD (@glaad) October 21, 2021
It's officially #SpiritDay on the East Coast! Go purple now and support LGBTQ youth. Take the pledge to stand against bullying: https://t.co/AJXrimYJKz
💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜 pic.twitter.com/bPOLJcZKrC
— GLAAD (@glaad) October 21, 2021
Good Morning America, it’s #SpiritDay! @GMA pic.twitter.com/QFy3w8vEMl
— GLAAD (@glaad) October 21, 2021
Take a little time to enjoy @TheView co-hosts in purple in support of #SpiritDay! Take the pledge now to support LGBTQ youth: https://t.co/AJXrimYJKz pic.twitter.com/4QJh0fXnJt
— GLAAD (@glaad) October 21, 2021
We love to see @KellyRipa and @RyanSeacrest in purple in support of LGBTQ youth for #SpiritDay. pic.twitter.com/3pIEDwKb0c
— GLAAD (@glaad) October 21, 2021
Thank you @GayleKing for going purple to support LGBTQ youth this #SpiritDay. 💜🤩 pic.twitter.com/zhC7zwaWrV
— GLAAD (@glaad) October 21, 2021
The View itself wrote, “.@TheView is proud to go purple today on @glaad’s #SpiritDay to support LGBTQ+ youth and take a stand against bullying! 💜 #ChooseKindness”.
.@TheView is proud to go purple today on @glaad’s #SpiritDay to support LGBTQ+ youth and take a stand against bullying! 💜 #ChooseKindness
Join us:https://t.co/VX6jOBp36Ihttps://t.co/zgdcSGclUP pic.twitter.com/xRh0mTfHDz
— The View (@TheView) October 21, 2021
The TV network CBS wrote, “On #SpiritDay we stand against bullying and show support for LGBTQ youth. Go purple now and join in!💜”.
On #SpiritDay we stand against bullying and show support for LGBTQ youth. Go purple
now and join in!💜 https://t.co/v1PF6uwr2Z pic.twitter.com/XatPMAIW8y— CBS (@CBS) October 21, 2021
Other shows wore purple in support of Spirit Day as well, such as the women of the daytime game show The Price is Right. The show’s Twitter account wrote, “We are @GLAAD to support LGBTQ youth! Go purple and celebrate #SpiritDay today. 💜”
We are @GLAAD to support LGBTQ youth! Go purple and celebrate #SpiritDay today. 💜 pic.twitter.com/nC6CmNu4Fx
— The Price Is Right (@PriceIsRight) October 21, 2021
The game show Let’s Make a Deal wrote, “We’ve got spirit, yes we do! Go purple now to take a stand against bullying. #SpiritDay”.
We've got spirit, yes we do! Go purple now to take a stand against bullying. #SpiritDay pic.twitter.com/h2DuG6QrU7
— Let's Make a Deal (@letsmakeadeal) October 21, 2021
The long-running soap opera The Young and the Restless wrote, “We’re wearing purple here at #YR for #SpiritDay! Reply with a 💜 if you are too!”
We’re wearing purple here at #YR for #SpiritDay! Reply with a 💜 if you are too! For more information, visit https://t.co/QKVA7ViHiG pic.twitter.com/JKWyywBy1s
— Young and Restless (@YandR_CBS) October 21, 2021
The long-running soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful wrote, “Together we wear purple in a stand against bullying and to support LGBTQ youth. 💜”.
Together we wear purple in a stand against bullying and to support LGBTQ youth. 💜 pic.twitter.com/CsHhEMnhea
— Bold & The Beautiful (@BandB_CBS) October 21, 2021
The soon-to-be-released supernatural drama Ghostbusters: Afterlife wrote, “#SpiritDay is about supporting LGBTQ youth and taking a stand against bullying. Wear purple to show your support!” The film also released a video of its actors expressing support for Spirit Day.
#SpiritDay is about supporting LGBTQ youth and taking a stand against bullying. Wear purple to show your support! @GLAAD pic.twitter.com/RTw5KJypyt
— Ghostbusters (@Ghostbusters) October 21, 2021
The young children’s TV show Teletubbies wrote, “Thursday is #SpiritDay and the Teletubbies are sharing Big Hugs and Big Love. Head over to @GLAAD to show up and get involved 💜”
Thursday is #SpiritDay and the Teletubbies are sharing Big Hugs and Big Love. Head over to @GLAAD to show up and get involved 💜 pic.twitter.com/MdcY7ZOGvi
— Teletubbies (@TeletubbiesHQ) October 17, 2021
Cartoon Network highlighted clips from its numerous cartoons that show trans characters and same-sex relationships. It also wrote the message, “Cartoon Network stands with our LGBTQ+ Youth! 🏳️⚧️ 🏳️🌈 You are loved, and you are not alone.”
Cartoon Network stands with our LGBTQ+ Youth! 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 You are loved, and you are not alone. Leave a 💜 in the comments to show your support against bullying.
Find out how to be an ally to your peers 👉 https://t.co/apm0TFkU66#SpiritDay #GoPurple #RepresentationMatters pic.twitter.com/mvaOoseL9r
— Cartoon Network (@cartoonnetwork) October 21, 2021
The cable channel VH1 wrote, “Today is #SpiritDay – A day we wear purple to support LGBTQ+ youth and unite to take a stand against bullying. Pledge to ‘go purple’ today and show your solidarity at http://glaad.org/spiritday!”
Today is #SpiritDay – A day we wear purple to support LGBTQ+ youth and unite to take a stand against bullying. 💜
Pledge to "go purple" today and show your solidarity at https://t.co/k3woRDR318!
🎨: @mjdimotta pic.twitter.com/6bDcWMojDg
— VH1 (@VH1) October 21, 2021
Comedian Amber Ruffin wrote, “Let’s remind every young person that it’s okay to be who you are. On #SpiritDay we stand against bullying and show support for LGBTQ youth. Go purple now and join in 💜 @glaad. Click the link for more info https://l8r.it/oyYU.”
Let's remind every young person that it's okay to be who you are. On #SpiritDay we stand against bullying and show support for LGBTQ youth. Go purple now and join in 💜 @glaad pic.twitter.com/bVIVLHIjZR
— amber ruffin (@ambermruffin) October 21, 2021
Actor Ted Danson wrote, “No one should be bullied or called names simply for being who they are. That’s why I’m wearing purple for #SpiritDay! @glaad”.
No one should be bullied or called names simply for being who they are. That’s why I’m wearing purple for #SpiritDay! 💜 @glaad pic.twitter.com/XNz5DDpqdH
— Ted Danson (@TedDanson) October 21, 2021
Drag Race competitor Tina Burner wrote, “It’s #SpiritDay! Go purple now to take a stand against bullying and to support LGBTQ youth. #SpiritDay”.
It’s #SpiritDay! Go purple now to take a stand against bullying and to support LGBTQ youth. #SpiritDay pic.twitter.com/IoEZt5FKV3
— Tina Burner (@TheTinaBurner) October 21, 2021
Singer Meghan Trainor wrote, “#SpiritDay has arrived. Join me and go purple now to stand against bullying 💜💜 @glaad”.
#SpiritDay has arrived. Join me and go purple now to stand against bullying 💜💜 @glaad pic.twitter.com/fEBn3HwVXK
— Meghan Trainor (@Meghan_Trainor) October 21, 2021
Captain Sandy, a star in the reality TV series Below Deck, wrote, “Take the pledge! Stop the harassment and bullying of the #LGBTQ youth. 💜 #SpiritDay #UnityInDiversity”.
Take the pledge! Stop the harassment and bullying of the #LGBTQ youth. 💜 #SpiritDay #UnityInDiversity 🌈@glaad pic.twitter.com/m7Ah8W6U9D
— Captain Sandy 🛳⚓💙 (@CaptSandyYawn) October 21, 2021
Numerous sports teams and organizations tweeted out messages of support as well.
Major League Baseball (MLB), published a video of supportive employees along with the message, “No one should be bullied for being who they are.”
Today is #SpiritDay, and we stand with LGBTQ youth.
No one should be bullied for being who they are. pic.twitter.com/D7VEZuNPmA
— MLB (@MLB) October 21, 2021
Athlete Ally, a group that works for the inclusion of LGBTQ people in sports, wrote, “LGBTQ+ youth face higher rates of bullying and harassment, and are twice as likely to drop out of sports. Go purple to support LGBTQ+ youth and the importance of safe spaces on and off the field. Learn more at @glaad 💜 #SpiritDay”
LGBTQ+ youth face higher rates of bullying and harassment, and are twice as likely to drop out of sports. Go purple to support LGBTQ+ youth and the importance of safe spaces on and off the field. Learn more at @glaad 💜 #SpiritDay pic.twitter.com/fBPwVNEfEs
— Athlete Ally (@AthleteAlly) October 21, 2021
A similar organization, You Can Play, wrote, “On #SpiritDay we wear purple to support our LGBTQ+ youth, who are disproportionately targeted for bullying and discrimination. 💜 You are seen. You are accepted. You are loved. You are worthy!”
On #SpiritDay we wear purple to support our LGBTQ+ youth, who are disproportionately targeted for bullying and discrimination.
💜 You are seen. You are accepted. You are loved. You are worthy! 💜#YouCanPlay pic.twitter.com/ELCFGRiivM
— You Can Play (@YouCanPlayTeam) October 21, 2021
The New York Yankees wrote, “The Yankees organization is proud to join @MLB in celebration of #SpiritDay . Today, and all days, we take a stand against LGBTQ+ bullying.”
The Yankees organization is proud to join @MLB in celebration of #SpiritDay . Today, and all days, we take a stand against LGBTQ+ bullying. pic.twitter.com/oHp6R7kkqs
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 21, 2021
The Pittsburg Pirates wrote, “Proud to wear purple today. #SpiritDay”.
Proud to wear purple today. #SpiritDay pic.twitter.com/nsb3PTvWuN
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) October 21, 2021
The Baltimore Orioles wrote, “We are proud to support our LGBTQ youth and stand against bullying in all forms. #SpiritDay”.
We are proud to support our LGBTQ youth and stand against bullying in all forms. #SpiritDay pic.twitter.com/zI2PRwmR8z
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) October 21, 2021
The San Francisco Giants wrote, “Our organization is proud to join @MLB in celebrating #SpiritDay by “going purple.” Today and every day, we stand against LGBTQ+ bullying. Learn more: http://glaad.org/spiritday”.
Our organization is proud to join @MLB in celebrating #SpiritDay by “going purple.” Today and every day, we stand against LGBTQ+ bullying.
Learn more: https://t.co/BSpA8QU6T3 pic.twitter.com/Fqd05KHOJb
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) October 21, 2021
The New York Mets wrote, “From all of us here, we are proud to support LGBTQ youth. #SpiritDay”. The team even included a video with facts about anti-LGBTQ bullying.
From all of us here, we are proud to support LGBTQ youth. #SpiritDay pic.twitter.com/CRNw6NhM3B
— New York Mets (@Mets) October 21, 2021
The Colorado Rockies wrote, “No one should be bullied simply for being who they are. Today and every day, we take a stand to support LGBTQ youth and guard against bullying. Join us & show your support by wearing purple today! #SpiritDay”
No one should be bullied simply for being who they are.
Today and every day, we take a stand to support LGBTQ youth and guard against bullying. Join us & show your support by wearing purple today! #SpiritDay pic.twitter.com/viP4X0kNqr
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) October 21, 2021
The offensively named Cleveland Indians wrote, “7 out of 10 LGBTQ students experience harassment at school; more than half of them report that they also feel unsafe. Take a stand against bullying! #SpiritDay #OurCLE”.
7 out of 10 LGBTQ students experience harassment at school; more than half of them report that they also feel unsafe.
Take a stand against bullying! #SpiritDay #OurCLE pic.twitter.com/t8QeF8L8zd
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) October 21, 2021
The Milwaukee Brewers wrote, “Take a stand! On #SpiritDay and every day, we support efforts to end bullying and support LGBTQ youths.”
Take a stand!
On #SpiritDay and every day, we support efforts to end bullying and support LGBTQ youths. pic.twitter.com/2Vv02OpSAp
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) October 21, 2021
The Toronto Blue Jays wrote, “We are proud to join @MLB to take a stand against bullying and show our support for LGBTQ2+ youth. #SpiritDay”.
We are proud to join @MLB to take a stand against bullying and show our support for LGBTQ2+ youth. #SpiritDay pic.twitter.com/zb1rOU43Cj
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) October 21, 2021
The Cincinnati Reds wrote, “The Reds join MLB in going purple today in honor of #SpiritDay! We are proud to support LGBTQ youth and speak out against bullying. http://glaad.org/spiritday”.
The Reds join MLB in going purple today in honor of #SpiritDay! We are proud to support LGBTQ youth and speak out against bullying. https://t.co/4XIoA01jnO pic.twitter.com/dG4jNO64MI
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) October 21, 2021
The Philadelphia Phillies wrote, “No one should be bullied for simply being who they are. Join us in taking a stand against bullying of LGBTQ youth and in support of inclusion. #SpiritDay”.
No one should be bullied for simply being who they are.
Join us in taking a stand against bullying of LGBTQ youth and in support of inclusion. #SpiritDay pic.twitter.com/dmGwHI6y35
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 21, 2021
The Los Angeles Dodgers wrote, “The Dodgers are proud to take a stand against bullying and support LGBTQ youth. Join us and learn more at http://glaad.org/spiritday. #SpiritDay”.
The Dodgers are proud to take a stand against bullying and support LGBTQ youth. Join us and learn more at https://t.co/FR7QjCWl7Y. #SpiritDay pic.twitter.com/EQDPGiRWn7
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 21, 2021
Companies also joined the effort. Jeep wrote, “We ride for Pride #SpiritDay”.
We ride for Pride #SpiritDay pic.twitter.com/3MSowV1gs8
— Jeep (@Jeep) October 21, 2021
The rainbow-colored candy Skittles wrote, “It’s #SpiritDay! Go purple now to take a stand against bullying and to support LGBTQ+ youth💜. Learn more at http://glaad.org”.
It’s #SpiritDay! Go purple now to take a stand against bullying and to support LGBTQ+ youth💜. Learn more at https://t.co/58wT4Xvd0e pic.twitter.com/GcFaHZputw
— SKITTLES (@Skittles) October 21, 2021
The luxury car company Porsche wrote “This #SpiritDay, join us and @glaad in taking a stand against bullying and supporting LGBTQ youth.”
This #SpiritDay, join us and @glaad in taking a stand against bullying and supporting LGBTQ youth. Take the pledge against bullying here: https://t.co/85IDXj4Edx. pic.twitter.com/EVQm0N6pNU
— Porsche (@Porsche) October 21, 2021