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Wear purple on Spirit Day - October 19

Join OPSEU's Rainbow Alliance arc-en-ciel in recognizing October 19 as Spirit Day!

Toronto (18 Oct. 2017) — Spirit Day speaks out against bullying of LGBTQ youth, many of whom are subject to harassment because of their identities. Brittany McMillan, a teenager at the time, started Spirit Day in 2010 in response to a rash of widely publicized bullying-related suicides of gay school students — notably Tyler Clementi. 

Pledging to "go purple" on Spirit Day is a way for everyone to visibly show solidarity with LGBTQ youth.  The name, Spirit Day, comes from the purple stripe of the Rainbow flag. Its creator, Gilbert Baker, defined the colour as "representing spirit." 

OPSEU/NUPGE members participate in Spirit Day

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) is encouraging its members to participate in Spirit Day.

Some ways to participate include

  • ​Take the pledge in support of LGBTQ youth and stand against bullying and harassment.
  • Learn the facts surrounding Spirit Day.
  • Spread the word to friends and family on social media! Join a letter-writing campaign!
  • Wear purple on October 19!