Here’s a message from our friends at the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). Go purple!
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Go Purple on Spirit Day – Oct 20, 2011
We need you and your congregation’s help to end bullying and support LGBT youth!
On October 20, millions of Americans will wear purple to symbolize their support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth, letting them know that they are loved, accepted, and welcomed for who they are. This day has been designated Spirit Day.
Religious congregations and schools are an important part of the support network for many LGBT youth. Spirit day is a great opportunity to get involved and make your support known! There are many ways to get involved.
How can you participate?
1. Wear purple on October 20:
The simplest way to show your support is to wear purple. Since October 20 is a Thursday this year, you can wear purple to your religious services the weekend before or after, as well.
2. Talk about Spirit Day in your congregation or seminary:
Put together a film screening and discussion group. Encourage your pastor to talk about Spirit Day and why supporting LGBT youth is so important.
3. Share your support:
Change your organization’s website banner to purple in honor of Spirit Day. Post pictures of any events your congregation or school hosts for Spirit day. If your organization uses social media, make sure to tweet or blog about Spirit Day.
4. Endorse Spirit Day:
Add your congregational or organizational support to other groups supporting LGBT youth. See http://www.glaad.org/spiritday/faith
5. Use suggestions from GLAAD:
The GLAAD Religion, Faith & Values team has put together an ever-expanding list of faith ideas and resources for Spirit Day that can be found at www.glaad.org/spiritday/faith.
If you have a particularly great idea, photo, or video to share, please send it to faith@glaad.org. If we think it is helpful for others to hear about, we will put it on the Spirit Day web page. We are hoping to show a groundswell of support for LGBT youth through the efforts of Spirit Day, and we need your help to make that happen.
Thanks for the great work you do.
Ross Murray
Director of Religion, Faith and Values, GLAAD