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The bully epidemic: Stop bullying and show support by wearing purple today
The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is urging people to wear purple today show support for the end of anti-gay bullying. Bullying in schools has become an epidemic — ABC reports that at least 14 students have committed suicide in the past year alone.
According to GLAAD, the event was created by Brittany McMillan earlier this month, following several high profile suicides following alleged anti-gay bullying in September. Bullying has made headlines a lot recently after the deaths of an alarming number of students around the country. Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers University Freshman, jumped off the George Washington Bridge after his roommate allegedly broadcast video of him having sex with another man online. Seth Walsh, a California 13 year old, also committed suicide after reportedly being bullied because he was gay. They are just two among suspected thousands who face bullying everyday because of their sexual orientation.
For “Spirit Day,” as it is being called, supporters are urged to wear purple and to share their opinions on Facebook and Twitter.
Several celebrities and local San Diegans have shown support on Twitter:
@EllenDeGeneres: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recorded a powerful message about bullying. Watch it here. ow.ly/2WdyG
@PerezHilton: #SpiritDay
@RyanSeacreast: If ur curious about these purple profile pics, today is #SpiritDay to end anti-LGBT bullying. Make urs purple here! bit.ly/SpiritDay
GLAAD has set up a website that lists a number of steps participants can take to help stop the bullying of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people.
How can you show your support for the teens who took their lives because of anti-LGBT bullying?
1. Wear purple TODAY, October 20!
2. Twitter pic: Click here to turn your Twitter profile pic purple
3. Twitter status: click here to post this tweet: I’m wearing purple to end anti-LGBT bullying – make your profile pic purple today #SpiritDay http://glaad.org/spiritday
4. Facebook pic: Click here to create a purple version of your Facebook profile pic – Then look for the purple photo in a new photo album called “Twibbons,” click on the purple photo, and click “Make Profile Picture.” Works best on square profile pictures.
5. Facebook status: I’m wearing purple today to support LGBT youth – make your profile pic purple today for Spirit Day at http://glaad.org/spiritday
6. Tweet your Spirit Day pics to @glaad! And if you’re on Flickr, add your pics to this group:http://www.flickr.com/groups/spiritday
7. Help promote by downloading this graphic for your blog or website
On Twitter? Use the hashtag #SpiritDay in your tweets – let’s make #SpiritDay a trending topic!
On Facebook? They have a new anti-bullying campaign:
San Diego resident for over 10 years, I now call this beautiful city home. Originally from the Bay Area, I'm a California girl at heart. I love the outdoors, fitness, food, and a good craft beer (from San Diego of course).
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