Spirit Day was first commemorated with the anti-gay bullying context on 20 October 2010.
Tyler Clementi was a student at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA. At the age of 18 years old, he jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge over the Hudson River on 22 September 2010. On 19 September, Tyler’s collegiate dormitory roommate, Dharun Ravi, had posted on Twitter a clip showing Tyler kissing another man. Neither Tyler nor his partner had given their permission for the image to be taken or posted. Tyler Clementi’s suicide gained notoriety as it came at a time of a series of suicides of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) students being “outed” (publicly identified) unwillingly.
The observation began when a Canadian secondary school student, Brittany McMillan, learned of Tyler’s death and decided that something needed to be done to combat the alarming increase in GLBTQ+ suicides. As October was already Bullying Prevention Month throughout Canada, Brittany selected the date and started encouraging others to take a stand against bullying (intimidation) of GLBTQ+ persons.
She posted her concerns and ideas onto her Facebook account and the response was immediate and overwhelming! The increase in suicides among same gender loving peoples had the attention of many organizations and individuals. Brittany’s concerns received the notice of Gay Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) which became actively involved in encouraging and promoting the initial Spirit Day on Wednesday, 20 October 2010. They urged all interested persons to wear a purple ribbon to not only publicize the event but also to offer a tribute to GLBTQ+ victims of suicide.
The following year, Spirit Day was observed on the same date and Brittany remained active in planning and promoting the event. In 2013, GLAAD adopted the sponsorship of the event and decided to hold the observance on the third Thursday of the month.
Aaron, my spouse and I both recall the first commemoration of Spirit Day. We had just met that spring and were living together, marriage equality had not happened at that time. Aaron had learned of the Spirit Day plans at his job and informed me of the event. We decided to do our part, bought some purple ribbon and safety pins and created purple ribbons to carry to work with us on 20 October and distribute. Both of us had given away all of our ribbons before our respective offices had been open for an hour!
Given the political and social instability in the USA at this time, every effort to embrace GLBTQ+ young persons and their identity offers encouragement and support. GLAAD continues to promote acceptance and understanding. For additional information on services available, visit their site: https://glaad.org/spiritday
Have a very happy and safe Spirit Day!
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!
Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Sunday, October 18, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Celebrity Series #12: Birthday!”
Jogging his way for more birthday cake!
