Macklemore & Ryan Lewis are taking a stand against bullying and showing their support for LGBT youth by going purple for Spirit Day on October 17, as first reported by Yahoo omg!
The trailblazing duo's hit single, "Same Love"-- in collaboration with openly lesbian singer-songerwriter Mary Lambert (who'll also be sporting purple for Spirit Day) -- made it clear that they're proactive allies to LGBT people, and are invested in making a world in which LGBT teens are celebrated and accepted for who they are. Now, these outspoken chart-toppers are encouraging people to 'go purple' on October 17 in support of LGBT youth and against bullying. The two will be joining several other famous faces as 2013 Spirit Day Ambassadors.
Other Spirit Day participants include Ke$ha, Demi Lovato, Snooki & JWOWW, Nev Schulman and Max Joseph from 'Catfish: The TV Show,' the cast of TeenNick's 'Degrassi,' Betty White and the 'Hot in Cleveland' cast, country star Kacey Musgraves, out singer Mary Lambert, Kelly Osbourne, basketball players Jason Collins & Brittney Griner, WWE Superstar Darren Young, and Zendaya! Check out all of our partners here.
Macklemore has been particularly vocal in support of equality for LGBT people, and has been dedicated to combating homophobia since entering the Top 40 spotlight about a year ago. His work with Ryan Lewis has enjoyed huge success, performing at MTV's Video Music Awards and debuting their album The Heist at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. While Macklemore certainly isn't the first or only hip-hop artist to come out in support of LGBT equality, he and Ryan Lewis have used their massive mainstream success to promote LGBT equality to a widespread audience.
The dynamic duo released their video for marriage equality anthem "Same Love" specifically to promote Washington state's marriage equality Referendum 74. And earlier this year, Seattle native Macklemore participated in the You Can Play project to promote LGBT inclusion in sports. You Can Play, in addition to seven major U.S. sports leagues, will also be going purple for Spirit Day.
For the third year in a row, MTV and mtvU will turn purple on-air and online to celebrate “Spirit Day,” as will MTV’s Times Square Screens. MTV’s ACT Blog, which will also “go purple,” will feature special coverage of the day, and the first 500 people who share a purple-themed photo with MTV’s “A Thin Line” campaign on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #SpiritDay will receive a free “A Thin Line” bracelet. The "A Thin Line" campaign, which empowers young people to help stop the spread of digital abuse, has already inspired more than one million young people to take action.
This year VH1, Logo and TV Land will be joining MTV and mtvU in going purple on-air!
Founded in 2010, Spirit Day, which will be on October 17 this year, is an international, united stand against bullying and show of support for LGBT teens and young adults everywhere. Participants can get into the spirit by
- Taking the Spirit Day Pledge
- Wearing purple on the 17th
- Spreading the word through social media, using #SpiritDay, and turning their profile pictures and websites purple
- Downloading the Spirit Day App
- Educating your friends and family about bullying and the LGBT community
- Getting your school, GSA, organization, etc. to become a Spirit Day partner
There's still time to become a Spirit Day participant and partner, and to join the Facebook event! Sign up today and spread the word.
