
The purple stripe on the rainbow flag symbolizes the ideal: “Spirit!”
Spirit Day: an annual GLBTQ+ awareness day of recent development. It is currently observed on the third Thursday of the month of October as a part of our community and culture’s GLBTQ+ History Month. The occasion began in 2010 when a Canadian teenager, Brittany McMillan, in response to a significant number of bullying-related suicides of SGL students – the most infamous (at the time) being that of Tyler Clementi.
Footnote: Tyler Clementi was an American student at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge into the Hudson River at the age of 18. On September 19, 2010, Tyler’s dormitory roommate, Dharun Ravi, posted on Twitter a clip showing Tyler kissing another man. The Twitter posting was made and done without Tyler’s or his partner’s permission. The following night, Tyler committed suicide.
Tyler’s incident was publicised and the fact that his roommate intimidated him was newsworthy. Brittany McMillan became involved and promoted her “Purple Spirit Day” campaign through her facebook account. Reaction was both swift and widespread throughout North America. The Gay-Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) learned of Brittany’s crusade and joined with her as a sponsor of the event.

GLAAD’s involvement brought national attention to the suicide prevention concerns and the need for anti-gay bullying initiatives. The level of attention the initiative attracted led to organised anti-bullying and especially anti-gay bullying activities and campaigns not only in North America but all over the globe. GLAAD’s participation ensured the problem would be addressed. Numerous universities adopted strong policies to combat and prevent any recurrence of Tyler Clementi’s action.
Promoted by GLAAD, participants wear the colour purple as a visible sign of awareness and support for GLBTQ+ young people specifically and against bullying in general. National Bullying Prevention Month in the USA is also during the month of October and additional attention and endorsements have prompted many persons to actively encourage others to become involved.
A secondary school teenager, Brittany has truly made a remarkable impact on the lives of many. The very first Spirit Day was held on Wednesday, 20 October 2010. The following year it was on Thursday, 20 October 2011 then followed by Friday, 19 October 2012. In2013, GLAAD made the decision to observe it on the third Thursday of the month.
Naked hugs!
Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for tomorrow, Friday, October 17, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Celebrity Role Models. #1!”




































