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Spirit Day

Show your support for Spirit Day by wearing purple and standing up against bullying in all its forms!

Thursday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEThird Thursday in October

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYLGBTQ+

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Show your support for diversity and inclusion on Spirit Day, which takes place on the third Thursday of October! This day was created in 2010 as a way to stand against bullying and show solidarity with LGBTQ+ youth who experience high rates of bullying and harassment. It's also a chance to celebrate everyone’s unique identities, cultures, and backgrounds. Show your pride by wearing purple or sharing your story on social media – no matter how you choose to participate, it will help spread the message that we are all equal. Together, we can create a more inclusive world!

TIMELINE

Spirit Day Timeline

Inception of Spirit Day

Inspired by the "Purple My Facebook" campaign, Canadian teen Brittany McMillan founded Spirit Day to honor LGBTQ+ youth who died by suicide.

GLAAD's Involvement

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) started promoting and partnering with Brittany McMillan to grow Spirit Day.

Landmark Support

Major landmarks including the White House, Empire State Building and Oprah Winfrey Network lit up purple in support of Spirit Day.

Global Reach

By this year, Spirit Day gained international recognition with participants from dozens of countries around the globe.

Star-Studded Participation

Spirit Day receives patronage from celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, Laverne Cox, and Cher, further spotlighting the cause.

Corporate Support

Major corporations like Kellogg's, Coca-Cola, and Wells Fargo demonstrates their resolve against bullying by supporting Spirit Day in various ways.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Spirit Day

Wear purple

Wearing purple is a great way to show support for Spirit Day. Whether it's a t-shirt, hat, or even a pair of shoes, wearing purple will help spread awareness about the importance of acceptance and kindness.

ORGANIZE

Organize an event

Host an event in your community to celebrate Spirit Day. Invite friends and family to join in on the festivities and enjoy games, music, food and more.

Share messages of hope

Take to social media to share inspiring messages of hope and acceptance. Use the hashtag #SpiritDay to help spread your message.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer

Volunteer at a local organization that works with LGBTQ+ youth or adults and spread awareness about Spirit Day. Offer your time and resources to help make a difference.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself

Take some time to learn about the history of Spirit Day and the LGBTQ+ community. Read books, watch documentaries, or attend events that help you better understand the issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Spirit Day is Important

Spirit Day stands against anti-LGBTQ+ violence

It's no secret that LGBTQ+ people still face discrimination and prejudice in many parts of the world. By participating in Spirit Day, we're sending a strong message that anyone - regardless of their gender or sexuality - should be treated equally and with dignity.

Spirit Day raises awareness of LGBTQ+ issues

The observance of Spirit Day encourages recognition and support for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) community. By wearing purple and inviting co-workers and friends to participate, more people are made aware that this is an issue worth fighting for.

Spirit Day promotes inclusion & acceptance

Spirit day creates a safe and inclusive environment for members of the LGBTQ+ community. It's an important reminder that everyone deserves respect and to be accepted for who they are, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

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MON

Apr 2026

Awareness

International Day of Pink

Join the movement and wear pink on International Day of Pink to stand up against bullying and discrimination - let's spread love, kindness, and acceptance!