Across social media, blogs, churches, mosques, synagogues, small groups, youth groups, and more, people are talking about how faith groups can take action to oppose bullying and stand in solidarity with LGBT youth for Spirit Day.
A few organizations shared reflections on their web sites and blogs. Robyn Henderson-Espinoza wrote a post entitled "Bullied" on the More Light Presbyterians web page, sharing an experience of being bullied and harassed. Robyn writes:
Any type of violence against LGBTQ communities (or ANY other human person) is unacceptable. We have to keep fighting for radical inclusion for all persons. I have to continue doing this work so that my neighbor, whoever they are, does not face what I faced at the bus stop, regardless of their race, class, sexual orientation, or gender expression.
The pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church in New York, Rev. Pat Bumgardner, shared a post on Believe Out Loud, talking about how we can best prevent bullying.
Bullying is not a “gay” issue or even a kid’s issue because it depends on the silent acquiescence of adults and clergy and teachers and community leaders to thrive.
To me, bullying is a human rights issue, because it will not stop until all of us speak up and act out for the value and worth of every human life.
ReconcilingWorks created a whole Spirit Month, encompassing National Coming Out Day, Ally Week, Reformation Sunday, and Spirit Day. Churches can download bulletin inserts to share information during worship.
And check out these awesome faith groups going purple:
We've got spirit, yes we do! We've got spirit how about you? #SpiritDay#ShiningBRITE#pride@glaad@rmnetworkhttp://t.co/PJI03i1ggL
— BriteDivinitySchool (@britedivinity) October 16, 2014
Spirit Day, which takes place today, 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. Each year, Spirit Day draws the participation of celebrities, corporations, media outlets, sports leagues, schools, faith institutions, national landmarks, and individuals. Spirit Day is made possible by the generous support of its national partners PepsiCo and Wells Fargo, as well as official partners Comcast-NBCUniversal and Google, and supporting partner American Eagle Outfitters.
You can go purple now by putting on purple, posting about #spiritday, and sharing your favorite #spiritday posts on social media.
Check out glaad.org/spiritday for more about how to stand against anti-LGBT bullying and follow @GLAAD on Twitter to keep up to date with #spiritday news!
The @ReligiousInst is wearing our #faithfulpurple for #SpiritDay. People of faith take a stand against #bullyingpic.twitter.com/4viTTRbkd2
— Religious Institute (@ReligiousInst) October 16, 2014
Stand against bullying! Wear purple and make your profile pic purple for #spiritday 10/16 at http://t.co/g89Bgr87lH#LGBT
— DignityUSA (@DignityUSA) October 16, 2014
We've gone purple in anticipation of #SpiritDay tomorrow! Learn how you take a stand against bullying at http://t.co/1rsNTrSqV3#Catholic
— Equally Blessed (@EBCatholic) October 15, 2014
Stand against bullying! Wear purple and make your profile pic purple for #spiritday 10/16 at http://t.co/wxV5YvGwUM#LGBT
— Evangelical Network (@evangelnet) October 16, 2014
Today we go purple to take a stand against bullying! Find out more : http://t.co/tcIynR3oI8#SpiritDay#TMFSpiritDaypic.twitter.com/YSXtK5DY5m
— The Marin Foundation (@MarinFoundation) October 16, 2014
MPV has gone purple for #SpiritDay! Help us stand up to bullying and to support #LGBT youth! @glaadpic.twitter.com/Oltp5z3P23
— MPV USA (@mpvusa) October 16, 2014
Chicago staff show their #spiritday support pic.twitter.com/eid0xPsjbf
— RMNetwork (@rmnetwork) October 16, 2014
#SpiritDaypic.twitter.com/G3Kde3DQeB
— RMNetwork (@rmnetwork) October 16, 2014
RMN regional organizers support #LGBTQ youth this #SpiritDaypic.twitter.com/TAGfmxLngI
— RMNetwork (@rmnetwork) October 16, 2014
![]()
