Today is the eighth annual Spirit Day and I'm wearing purple to particpate. The movement was launched in 2010 by teenager Brittany McMillan in conjunction with GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) as a day to remember the young people who have taken their lives due to homophobic bullying and soul-destroying lies perpetuated by homophobic groups, both political and religious in nature (and some who think they are above the law and combine both without paying any taxes!). To show support to the young gay people still with us and to combat the rampant bullying and frantic hatred that still infects our country at cultural and political levels, today is a day to wear purple and demonstrate to anyone who might be feeling alone and worthless that there are many people in the world who believe in the value of their lives and souls. As a past victim of homophobic violence and bullying, this observance is very close to me.
GLAAD's website says, "Spirit Day is a means of speaking out against LGBTQ bullying and standing with LGBTQ youth, who disproportionately face bullying and harassment because of their identities. Pledging to "go purple" on Spirit Day is a way for everyone — forward-thinking companies, global leaders, respected celebrities, neighbors, parents, classmates, and friends — to visibly show solidarity with LGBTQ youth and to take part in the largest, most visible anti-bullying campaign in the world."
These are frightening, disappointing statistics.
- 85.2% of LGBTQ students report being verbally harassed.
- 63.5% of LGBTQ students report hearing homophobic remarks from TEACHERS AND/OR SCHOOL STAFF because of their gender expression. These are the exact adults who are supposed to be in charge of a young person's SAFETY AND WELL-BEING.
- 57.6% of LGBTQ students did not report experiences of bullying because they doubted an intervention. In other words, they felt teachers and school staff would fail to protect them.
- 57.6% of LGBTQ students feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation.
- 48.6% of LGBTQ students have experienced cyberbullying.
- 63.5% of LGBTQ students who did report an incident said that school staff did nothing in response or told the student to ignore it.
No wonder gay teens take their lives at much higher rates than the national average.
For more information, to take the anti-bullying pledge, or to donate to GLAAD, please visit their website.
https://www.glaad.org/spiritday#intro
Dear gay teen contemplating suicide:
You are not wrong. You are not "bad.” You are not sick, defective, or evil.
You are perfect and beautiful just the way you are.
You have done nothing wrong and you have done nothing to deserve being humiliated, punished, or hurt, either physically or emotionally.
Bullying and discrimination are never ever innocent: the bullies are the ones who are wrong, bad, and sick for hurting you.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you are any less of a human being than they are. Don’t let them tell you it is a choice or that being gay is about behavior; you are who you are. Embrace yourself and be proud of being alive.
You have value. You have as much right to be here on this planet as anyone else.
It may seem like the world is against you, but there are people for you out there, there are places for you out there. You will be happy, you will get to live YOUR life the way YOU want to, without having to pay any attention to the bullies or whatever “bible” nonsense some people might throw at you… you are not "impure," "immoral," "unnatural," or "against nature." Those are just ridiculous lies they tell to hide their hatred, fear, and prejudice.
You will survive and thrive! You get to live here. This is your RIGHT.
You might turn out to be an important author, a doctor who cures a disease, a famous designer, someone who invents a new type of metal, an inspiring performer… or you might end up working with kids who need to hear that they have value and are perfect the way they are.
Please stick around.
Please.
We need you.
Love,
JEF
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