National Spirit Day

National Spirit Day is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness and showing support for LGBTQ+ youth who face bullying and harassment. It serves as a powerful symbol of solidarity where people wear purple to stand against discrimination.

Quick Facts

When is it: Third Thursday in October
Tagged as: Anti-bullying awareness day
What’s the hashtag: #SpiritDay
When was it founded: 2010
Who founded it: Brittany McMillan (Canadian teenager)

History of Spirit Day

Spirit Day emerged in response to a series of tragic LGBTQ+ youth suicides due to bullying in 2010. The day gained significant momentum when GLAAD began promoting it, leading to widespread participation from celebrities, corporations, and media organizations worldwide.

Timeline

2010: First Spirit Day observed on October 20
2011: Celebration moved to October 20
2012: Observed on October 19
2013: Established as third Thursday of October tradition
2024: Continuing strong with global participation

Dates by Next Year

Year	Month and Date	Day
2024	October 17	Thursday
2025	October 16	Thursday
2026	October 15	Thursday

How Spirit Day is Observed

People wear purple clothing or accessories to show solidarity. Social media platforms light up with supportive messages, while schools, businesses, and organizations host events promoting LGBTQ+ youth support and anti-bullying initiatives.

Fun Facts About Spirit Day

The color purple was chosen as it symbolizes spirit on the LGBTQ+ pride flag. The first Spirit Day event on Facebook attracted over 1.6 million participants worldwide.