Beyond the US and State Senate and House, the US State Department, LGBTQ+ caucuses, and politicians in power from DC to Texas to Minnesota are going purple for #SpiritDay
The US State Department: Democracy, Human Rights, & Labor of Washington DC
This department works towards respecting democratic institutions, and human rights. The Bureau’s attempts to confront democratic backsliding, promote accountability, uphold internationally recognized labor standards, and advance the rights and equity of members of marginalized racial, ethnic, and religious communities, indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ persons.
This #SpiritDay, we extend our support to LGBTQI+ youth around the globe. Let’s all continue to speak out against bullying, harassment, intimidation, and stigma that often keep LGBTQI+ youth from reaching their full potential. You can support them by wearing purple today! pic.twitter.com/9nOSmgtNTq
— State Department: Democracy, Human Rights, & Labor (@StateDRL) October 20, 2022
Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois
Pritzker signed SB3490 in 2022, an amendment to the Illinois Act on Aging designating specific protections and services for older LGBTQ adults. This signing took place on National Honor Your LGBTQ Elders Day, a day of recognition for older LGBTQ individuals who fought for equality. He also approved the LGBTQ Inclusive Curriculum Bill, which include LGBTQ historical contributions in public school curriculum. The Pritzker has been endorsed by HRC and has been honored with awards for his dedication to the community.
On #SpiritDay and every day, Illinois is proud to stand alongside our LGBTQ+ youth.
We’re making sure that they see themselves in the history they’re taught, that they’re accepted for who they are, and that they know you can be your most authentic self here in our state.
— JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) October 20, 2022
Texas House LGBTQ Caucus
Texas’s House LGBTQ Caucus was formed January 2019 to create a forum for Texas Legislators to discuss issues that affect LGBTQ Texans and to further the goal of equality and justice for all. The election of five openly LGBTQ women created the catalyst for the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus.
It’s #NationalBullyingPreventionMonth & #SpiritDay! From censorship to discrimination in sports to restrictions on bathroom & pronoun usage to rising harassment & violence, LGBTQIA+ students face many forms of bullying in an increasingly hostile school environment. #Txlege pic.twitter.com/dxKGARi1TH
— Texas House LGBTQ Caucus (@txlgbtqcaucus) October 20, 2022
Political Analyst Matthew Dowd of Texas
Dowd is a political analyst for MSNBC. Prior to that he worked on the 2004 Bush-Cheney campaign and in 2021 he ran for Lieutenant Governor of Texas.
Today is Spirit Day, a day to raise awareness and give support for our sister and brother LGBTQ youth and to speak out against bullying and discrimination. All should have dignity and equality, and be loved. pic.twitter.com/xVgMGqMkCS
— Matthew Dowd (@matthewjdowd) October 20, 2022
Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence of New York City
This office operates NYC Family Justice Centers and provides domestic violence survivors and kids free, confidential services. You can call 800-621-HOPE (4673) for help.
IT’S GO PURPLE DAY! Stand with SURVIVORS and WEAR PURPLE! Raise awareness to END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. FOR Survivors: You are not alone. Share photos w/ hashtags: #GoPurple #NYCGoPurple #DVAM2022 #ENDGBV NEED HELP? Call 311 for your nearest FJC or visit https://t.co/YsnrmPaI5I. pic.twitter.com/8m0GNGCTsv
— Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (@nycendgbv) October 20, 2022
Attorney General Letita James of New York
James ran on a pro-LGBTQ platform in her run for New York Attorney General in 2018. In 2021 she scored a statewide victory supporting the LGBTQ community after a federal court dismissed a case brought by an Elmira wedding photographer, who sought to discriminate against LGBTQ couples. In 2022 she called on the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to launch a federal investigation into Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott’s recent directive for Texas Child Protective Services to investigate families helping their trans children through gender-affirming care.
Support our #LGBTQ+ youth.
Stand against bullying and intolerance in all its forms.
Speak out because there is no place for hate in New York and our nation.#SpiritDay
— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) October 20, 2022
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, New York
Williams has been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ community. He shared a message of support, on behalf of New York City for LGBTQ young people.
We uplift #SpiritDay in NYC!
NYC will always be a supportive home for LGBTQ+ young people. We work hand-in-hand with advocates to ensure the community is safe, empowered, and free to live authentically.#BullyingPreventionMonth #SpiritDay2022 pic.twitter.com/24OyMjB3PW
— Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams (@nycpa) October 20, 2022
District Attorney Alvin Bragg of Manhattan, New York
Bragg in 2022 asked for $1.6 million to expand the Hate Crime unit in NYC. This comes as hate crimes rise among Asian, LGBTQ, Jewish and Black communities.
D.A. Bragg and members of the LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group are wearing purple to support LGBTQIA+ youth. Bullying, harassment and harm should have no place in our world. Be Strong. Stay Strong. #SpiritDay pic.twitter.com/YEeUFB8DG2
— Alvin Bragg (@ManhattanDA) October 20, 2022
City Council of New York City
The New York City Council is the lawmaking body of New York City. It has 51 members from 51 council districts throughout the five boroughs. The council is responsible for establishing The LGBTQIA+ Caucus of the New York City Council. This political body of power works to establish legislative and budget priorities and the creation of community initiatives, rooted in the tradition of Black Queer feminism, to dismantle systems of oppression, and promote the culture, contribution, and interests of the LGBTQIA+ community in New York City.
Today, The Council joins @glaad in celebrating #SpiritDay in support of LGBTQ youth across our city and country, and to get the word out about bullying prevention. https://t.co/cFOMc3CEmf pic.twitter.com/Ke5wAMFHJd
— NYC Council (@NYCCouncil) October 20, 2022
City Councilmember Daniel Dromm of New York City
Yesterday Councilman Dromm reshared the Mets’ Spirit Day post. Dromm was a Queens public school teacher from 1984 to 2009, was a founder of the Queens Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee and an organizer of the Queens Pride Parade and Festival, inaugurated in Jackson Heights in 1993. Elected to New York City Council in 2009, he represents Jackson Heights and Elmhurst in Queens and is one of two openly gay City Council members from the borough.
We are proud to support LGBTQ+ youth and stand against bullying, today and every day. #SpiritDay pic.twitter.com/4DskbTYcrt
— New York Mets (@Mets) October 20, 2022
County Supervisor Janice Hahn of Los Angeles, California
Hahn has shown support for LGBTQ equality over the years. In 2011 She aggressively opposed Prop. 8, voting to make marriage equality legal. She continues this support today.
I am wearing purple today for @glaad #SpiritDay to support LGBTQ youth, take a stand against bullying, and speak out against the nearly 250 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in states around the country this year alone.
— Janice Hahn (@SupJaniceHahn) October 20, 2022
Councilmember Stephen Whitburn of San Diego, California
Whitburn is the executive director of the San Diego LGBTQ Pride and says he is dedicated to LGBTQ equality year round.
Today is #SpiritDay! Learn how you can support LGBTQ youth and stand up against bullying at https://t.co/afpDhpk5vs. #choosekindness pic.twitter.com/vsFopcsXZy
— Councilmember Stephen Whitburn (@CMWhitburnD3) October 20, 2022
Councilmember Candidate Scott Nevins for Palm Springs, California
Scott Nevins is a Victory Fund-endorsed candidate for Palm Springs City Council. He is a board member at DAP Health where he focuses on health equity and access to healthcare, affordable housing, fresh food, and safety networks. Scott also co-chairs “The Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards”, which supports a full spectrum of community healthcare needs.
Today is @glaad #spiritday where we wear purple to show that we stand up against bullying — especially as #LGBTQ+ youth are bullied at a much higher rate than other youth. Show your support and take the pledge at https://t.co/TQmxvH02m2 pic.twitter.com/4HiyqMrIB2
— Scott Nevins (@ScottNevins) October 20, 2022
Auditor Suzanne M. Bump of Massachusetts
Suzanne M. Bump, the 25th Auditor of the Commonwealth and the first woman to serve in this role, took office in 2011. She leads a 225-person workforce of auditors, fraud investigators, and researchers to improve government accountability and build trust in government.
As Auditor, I have worked side-by-side with advocates to strengthen #antibullying protections. But there is still more work to do. #MAPoli #SpiritDay
— Suzanne M. Bump (@MassAuditor) October 20, 2022
Boston Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement
Boston’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement empowers, protects, and promotes the rights, dignity, and advancement of Boston’s LGBTQ+ residents.
This Thursday, October 20th… WEAR PURPLE in support of LGBTQ+ youth! @lgbtq_office is taking a stand against bullying, join us and wear purple. #SpiritDay @MayorWu pic.twitter.com/1798bhXjVH
— Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement (@lgbtq_office) October 18, 2022
About Spirit Day:
America is going purple for GLAAD’s Spirit Day in support of LGBTQ youth and taking a stand against bullying. GLAAD organizes hundreds of celebrities, media outlets, brands, landmarks, sports leagues, tech leaders, influencers, faith groups, school districts, organizations, colleges and universities in what has become the most visible anti-LGBTQ bullying campaign in the world. Purple symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag.
The annual tradition was started in 2010 by high school student Brittany McMillan, in memory of the LGBTQ youth who lost their lives to suicide. McMillian encouraged her friends to wear purple on a day in October — a day that came to be known as Spirit Day.
Presenting sponsors Kellogg’s, Sally Hansen and Visible with Community Sponsors NFL, Amazon Corporate Security, Kirkland & Ellis and L’Oreal/ Victor & Rolf will all participate in Spirit Day.
Today, LGBTQ youth, and especially our trans and nonbinary youth, are experiencing a level of scrutiny in schools we have never seen, leading to an environment rife with stressors beyond the peer-to-peer bullying of the past. From book bans to sports teams bans, to bathroom restrictions and teachers barred from using preferred pronouns, the means by which a student can express themselves and see others like them are increasingly being challenged.
Cyberbullying is at an all time high as well.
GLAAD’s 2022 Social Media Safety Index found severe harassment for LGBTQ users when compared to 2021. This anti-LGBTQ rhetoric then translates to real-life harm and has been cited as drivers of many of the nearly 250 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in states around the country this year alone, many of which target our LGBTQ youth.
This year, Spirit Day is on October 20, 2022 and offers LGBTQ youth and their families a means of representation and existence only made possible by providing life-saving visibility for those who need it more than ever. Take the Spirit Day pledge to show LGBTQ youth you’ve got their backs at glaad.org/spiritday. Follow @GLAAD on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to keep up to date with #SpiritDay news.
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(SOURCE) https://www.glaad.org/blog/political-leaders-continue-go-purple-spiritday