The cast of the new CBS comedy The McCarthys is sending a message of support to LGBT youth and asking viewers to join them in support of Spirit Day on Oct. 16. Check out the video below:
Outsports premiered the video this morning.
The McCarthys revolves around a close knit, sports loving Irish American family living in Boston and the hijinks that ensue when the openly gay, non-athletic son Ronny is offered a job in another state. His parents create a gay bar in their living room, his brothers act as cheerleaders during his date and his sister even lets him in on a secret, all in attempts to keep their brother in the fold. In the video the cast takes a break from comedy and tackles the serious issue of bullying. They ask viewers to join them in taking stand against bullies and in support of LGBT youth by going purple on October 16th.
Millions wear purple on Spirit Day as a sign of support for LGBT youth and to speak out against bullying. Spirit Day was started in 2010 as a response to the young people who had taken their own lives. With GLAAD’s help, Spirit Day has since garnered widespread support from celebrities, TV news and entertainment programs, corporations, organizations, schools, local communities, and even national landmarks. Spirit Day coincides with GLSEN’s Ally Week, as well as National Bullying Prevention Month.
According to GLSEN's 2011 National School Climate Survey, 63.5% of LGBT students reported feeling unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation, 43.9% because of their gender expression. GLSEN also reported that 81.9% of LGBT students report being verbally harassed because of their sexual orientation, and 63.9% because of their gender expression.
Spirit Day, which will take place on October 16, inspires millions to wear purple or ‘go purple’ online in a united stand against bullying and to show their support for LGBT youth.
For more information on Spirit Day and how join in visit the Spirit Day page.