DignityUSA Co-Sponsors National Spirit Day, Urges All Members to Wear Purple

For the second year, DignityUSA is a national co-sponsor of Spirit Day. Celebrated on October 20, Spirit Day is  a sign of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth and a way to speak out against bullying. Spirit Day was started in 2010 by teenager Brittany McMillan as a response to the young people who had taken their own lives. Millions of people and organizations participate by wearing purple, the color that symbolizes Spirit in the Rainbow Flag.

DignityUSA believes that religious organizations have a particular duty to take a stand against bullying or any form of violence. We believe that our Catholic faith compels us to stand with those who are victimized or who feel isolated or marginalized. Once again, we call on our bishops to make a strong statement condemning the bullying of children and teens who are or who are perceived to be LGBT. All of us should be free of fear, and able to live in peace with each other.

DignityUSA urges all of our members and friends to wear purple on October 20, and to work and pray for an end to bullying, rejection and isolation.