Today is Spirit Day, an annual event that encourages people to take a stand against bullying and show their support for LGBTQ youth.
Following the high number of devastating teen deaths in the LGBTQ community, GLAAD started Spirit Day in 2010 along with millions of teachers, celebrities, youths, employers and community leaders to help end the cycle of bullying and create a safe world for all young people.
Today, a number of celebrities have shown their support for Spirit Day with messages of inspiration and empowerment. Check out some of our favourite messages below and click here to learn more about Spirit Day, including how to Go Purple on social media.
Pretty Little Liars actor Keegan Allen is encouraging fans to be aware of how they treat others on Spirit Day and every day.
Be aware of how you treat others. #bekind #SpiritDay pic.twitter.com/DPx1JEuIVp
— Keegan Allen (@KeeganAllen) October 20, 2016
Also getting in on the Spirit Day celebrations are fellow Pretty Little Liars actor Troian Bellisario and PLL Executive Producer I. Marlene King.
Join @imarleneking and @SleepintheGardn by wearing purple for @GLAAD #SpiritDay TOMORROW. #ChooseKindness https://t.co/21UT3GwOxj pic.twitter.com/YUMK5MJAYU
— Pretty Little Liars (@PLLTVSeries) October 20, 2016
Lucy Hale made sure she wasn’t the only PLL cast member not supporting Spirit Day and posted this video urging people to go purple.
The staff at the White House voting “yes” to going purple on Spirit Day.
We are all more free when we are treated as equals. Today, White House staff stand against bullying and in support of LGBTQ youth #SpiritDay pic.twitter.com/kI4HcDlyDI
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 20, 2016
Musician Henry Rollins knows the most punk rock thing you can do is use your voice for change.
It’s #SpiritDay! Take a stand against bullying and show your support for #LGBTQ youth: https://t.co/GbnpmcZVhj
— henryrollins (@henryrollins) October 20, 2016
Orange Is The New Black actor and activist Laverne Cox is taking a stand with Spirit Day.
The women of The View encouraged their viewers to “choose kindness” today and every day.
We’re wearing purple in honor of @glaad‘s #SpiritDay! #ChooseKindness Learn more: https://t.co/17QgsLpPKc https://t.co/Vo25xv7qoB
— The View (@TheView) October 20, 2016
The NBA is taking the pledge to go purple and stand with all their fans.
The @DetroitPistons‘ @ReggieBullock35 asks fans to take a stand against bullying in celebration of #SpiritDay. #NBACares pic.twitter.com/jdCsUNPxne
— NBA (@NBA) October 20, 2016
Britney Spears made sure she was early to the Spirit Day celebration and posted this positive message last night.
Former Much VJ Rainbow Sun Franks shared his feelings on bullying and encouraged others to take a stand.
The cast of The Fosters want people to get involved and show their spirit.
Celebrate @GLAAD #SpiritDay with @dglambert TODAY! Wear purple. Take a stand against bullying. #ChooseKindness https://t.co/k9mEq1PVrx pic.twitter.com/fjyQdufGzY
— The Fosters (@TheFostersTV) October 20, 2016
Tegan and Sara have been longtime advocates for the LGBTQ community and today is no different!
William Shatner is taking a stand against bullying.
Take a stand against bullying and support #LGBTQ youth by going purple for #SpiritDay on Oct. 20th: https://t.co/B7y5Za3G5p
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) October 20, 2016
Mean Girls actor Daniel Franzese says you can sit with him.
We’ve gone purple with @glaad for #SpiritDay to show we are against bullying! We demand safe #LGBTQ inclusive spaces for our children. pic.twitter.com/YJ3qDtaWo7
— Daniel Franzese (@WhatsupDanny) October 20, 2016