Spirit Day 2026 asks supporters to stand with LGBTQ+ youth
Take the Spirit Day pledge and go purple on 15 October 2026 to support LGBTQ+ young people. Here is what the campaign means and how to join in.
GLAAD is inviting supporters to take the Spirit Day pledge ahead of Thursday 15 October 2026, when people are encouraged to go purple in support of LGBTQ+ young people. The annual campaign takes a stand against bullying and discrimination, with a pledge that asks participants to speak out against both.
The LGBTQ+ media advocacy organisation shared its latest call to action on Instagram on 2 October 2026. Supporters can make their pledge now and prepare to join the day by wearing purple, sharing a message online or encouraging others to take part.
What is Spirit Day?
Spirit Day is an annual campaign supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer young people, as well as those with other sexual orientations and gender identities. It brings together individuals, families, schools, workplaces and community groups to send a visible message of acceptance.
The campaign began in 2010, when teenager Brittany McMillan encouraged people to wear purple in memory of LGBTQ+ young people who had died by suicide. Purple represents spirit in the rainbow Pride flag, giving the campaign its name and signature colour.
Transgender and nonbinary young people are specifically included in the campaign’s message of support. Nonbinary describes people whose gender identity does not fit exclusively into the categories of man or woman.
How to take the Spirit Day pledge
The pledge is available through the official Spirit Day campaign website, where supporters can add their name online. It asks people to commit to going purple on 15 October and speaking out against bullying and discrimination wherever they encounter them.
You can take the pledge before the day itself and use the time to invite friends, family or colleagues to join you. For anyone planning a group activity, sharing the date and explaining the campaign’s purpose in advance will help people understand what taking part involves.
How to go purple on 15 October
Wearing a purple shirt, jumper, scarf or accessory is a simple way to show support on the day. People can also go purple online by changing a profile picture or sharing a photograph and a message using #SpiritDay.
Public posts can explain why you are taking part and encourage others to support LGBTQ+ young people. A message that clearly connects the colour with acceptance and opposition to bullying will help communicate the campaign’s purpose.
Can people in the UK take part?
Spirit Day has participants around the world, so readers in the UK can join the show of support on Thursday 15 October. Wearing purple and sharing a supportive message are ways to get involved wherever you live.
The pledge also includes a commitment to challenge bullying and discrimination beyond the day itself. Practical ways to honour that commitment include listening when someone raises a concern, challenging discriminatory remarks and helping people find the appropriate route to report bullying.
Follow glaad.org for more details
