On October 20, 2010 people are encouraged to wear purple for “Spirit Day” to show support for LGBT youth and remember the many recent gay suicides in the U.S.

This day is the result of a call to action on a girl named Brittany McMillian’s Tumblr blog. She hopes to show that gay people are not taking this kind of treatment anymore.

On her post, she writes the following:

“Purple represents Spirit on the LGBTQ flag and that’s exactly what we’d like all of you to have with you: spirit. Please know that times will get better and that you will meet people who will love you and respect you for who you are, no matter your sexuality.”
This idea has spread like wild on the Internet, but needs your support too. Tyler Clementi, Asher Brown, Seth Walsh, Justin Aaberg, Eric Mohat, Meredith Rezak, Raymond Chase and Billy Lucas are all youth who have recently committed suicide after being bullied for their sexuality.

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) features a “Wear Purple” page allowing people to “purple their profile pic” on Facebook or Twitter. Also, here is the Facebook page for the event.

Please make sure you wear purple and tell your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers. Tweet this post, or share it on Facebook.

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Image Credit: Kirsten M. Berry