Have a Holiday Idea? Submit and Get It Voted In!
Got an idea for a new holiday? Let us know!
Submit Holiday

Spirit Day

Show your support for Spirit Day by wearing purple and standing up against bullying in all its forms!
Growth - Techcloud X Webflow Template
Category
Cause
Location Icon
Country
International
Creator
Email Icon
Founded

Introduction

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!

History of Spirit Day

Spirit Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of Spirit Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Inspired by the "Purple My Facebook" campaign, Canadian teen Brittany McMillan founded Spirit Day to honor LGBTQ+ youth who died by suicide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>GLAAD's Involvement</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) started promoting and partnering with Brittany McMillan to grow Spirit Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Landmark Support</div><div class='timeline-text'>Major landmarks including the White House, Empire State Building and Oprah Winfrey Network lit up purple in support of Spirit Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Reach</div><div class='timeline-text'>By this year, Spirit Day gained international recognition with participants from dozens of countries around the globe.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Star-Studded Participation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Spirit Day receives patronage from celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, Laverne Cox, and Cher, further spotlighting the cause.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Corporate Support</div><div class='timeline-text'>Major corporations like Kellogg's, Coca-Cola, and Wells Fargo demonstrates their resolve against bullying by supporting Spirit Day in various ways.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate Spirit Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear purple</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize an event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share messages of hope</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take to social media to share inspiring messages of hope and acceptance. Use the hashtag #SpiritDay to help spread your message.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div>

Why Spirit Day is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Spirit Day raises awareness of LGBTQ+ issues</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Spirit Day promotes inclusion & acceptance</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Spirit Day stands against anti-LGBTQ+ violence</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div>

5 Unseen Facts about Spirit Day Celebration

Spirit Day FAQs

When is Spirit Day?

Spirit Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Oct 19

Thursday

2024

Oct 17

Thursday

2025

Oct 16

Thursday

2026

Oct 15

Thursday

2027

Oct 21

Thursday

Cause Holidays