On Spirit Day, it's important to remember that anti-LGBT bullying is an issue that strongly impacts young people who are bisexual. Indeed, leading bi advocates and organizations have gone purple to stand up for LGBT youth everywhere.
The Bisexual Resource Center, the same Boston-based group that brought us Bisexual Health Awareness Month, created this infographic to bring attention to the significant impact that bullying has on the lives of bisexual kids and teens.
Wear purple today #SpiritDay and raise awareness about bullying. @HRC Bi Youth Report shows strong need for support. pic.twitter.com/I5XcpTqmrh
— Bi Resource Center (@BRC_Central) October 16, 2014
They tweeted throughout the day as well, including sharing other people's posts about Spirit Day:
Wear purple today and raise awareness about bullying. #GLAADSpiritDaypic.twitter.com/6W44XefJJe
— Bi Resource Center (@BRC_Central) October 16, 2014
#SpiritDaypic.twitter.com/Bsx1i1He4d
— Kara Ammon (@GalleySlaveRow) October 16, 2014
#SpiritDay tonight! Come out in your purple and support! @LowcountryAIDS@W_A_Familyhttps://t.co/GpTirGJuK6pic.twitter.com/53djUm50Qi
— EMPOWERR (@EMPOWERR2014) October 16, 2014
The BiCast, a station dedicated entirely to news, information, and support for the bisexual community (and sponsored by BiNet USA), has also been reppin' the "B" of the LGBT community on twitter today, in addition to changing its Facebook profile picture:
@glaad#spiritday! @TheBiCast supports you! pic.twitter.com/h504DqcHOd
— The BiCast (@TheBiCast) October 16, 2014
The BiCast went the extra mile and even created a page on its website, dedicated entirely to Spirit Day:
Eliel Cruz, who reports on religion and bisexuality for The Advocate, made clear the importance of Spirit Day by highlighting struggles with mental illness, a matter that disproportionately impacts the bisexual community:
I'm against bullying because it can lead to serious mental health repercussions and even suicide. Let's end it now. #SpiritDay
— ELIEL CRUZ (@elielcruz) October 16, 2014
A.J. Walkley, writer and author of the novels CHOICE, QUEER GREER, and VUTO, took her #bipride to Instagram as well:
The night of Spirit Day, the national organization BiNet USA tweeted out a post about Spirit Day, written by the organization's president, Faith Cheltenham. She said:
We're thankful that GLAAD sponsors a day dedicated to standing together in support of LGBTQ youth! We know from the recent Human Rights Campaign report on bi youth that circumstances for bi youth are heartbreaking whether it be the high number of youth who report being bullied, the lack of support their parents provide or the lack of social and community support available to B in LGBT teens. We know that no matter what label you use, it can be hard to be accepted as a teen. BiNet USA recommends joining us on Facebook for community support today and every day!
And did I mention that openly bisexual advocate and actor Alan Cumming appeared on The View this morning?
I'm coming on #TheView next! - @alancumming#photobomb@TThompsonYESpic.twitter.com/9P98q8sb1N
— The View (@theviewtv) October 16, 2014
GLAAD collaborated with some of the nation's leading bisexual advocacy organizations for #BiWeek 2014, raising awareness about pertinent policy issues relating to the bisexual community.
To participate in Spirit Day as a member of the bi community, sharing this graphic is an easy way to get started:
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!