Spirit Day 2019 was in full motion, and people and organizations all over the world went purple to show their solidarity for LGBTQ+ youth against bullying.
Sports organizations like the NBA, WNBA, Major League Baseball, Major Soccer League, WWE, NFL, NHL and more joined GLAAD in the world’s largest, most visible LGBTQ anti-bullying campaign by taking to the internet and posting with #SpiritDay with words of affirmation for LGBTQ+ youth and anti-bullying messages.
As Official Partners of Spirit Day, the NBA and WNBA teams and employees went purple across the country in their league and team offices and online. Former NBA player Caron Butler and WNBA players Sue Bird, Layshia Clarendon, and Breanna Stewart posted their support on social media on Spirit Day.
LGBTQ fans and allies were also able to see support from MLB Network, NFL Network, and FOX Sports. NBC Sports, and more as Spirit Day was prominently featured in MLB and NFL game day coverage and broadcasts throughout the week.
Click here to take the pledge to stand against bullying
As part of their support of Spirit Day and GLAAD, the New York Yankees invited members of GLAAD staff and Campus Ambassador Program to watch Game 4 from the ‘Judge’s Chambers.’ The ‘Judge’s Chambers’ are a special section in right field, dedicated to Yankees star Aaron Judge. GLAAD staff and youth, alongside MLB Network’s Brian Kenny, watched the game and celebrated Spirit Day by wearing purple -- and the official Yankees judges robes, of course. That night on FOX Sports, during ALCS Game 4 New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros, commentator Ken Rosenthal showed off his support by wearing a purple bowtie for FOX’s “Ken Rosenthal’s Bowtie for a Cause.”
Other sports highlights include teams and athletes taking to social media to celebrate Spirit Day and show their support for LGBTQ+ youth. Participants included MLS's Seattle Sounders FC, NHL's Colorado Avalanche, all thirty Major League Baseball clubs like the Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals, and San Francisco Giants, and pro athletes like Team USA triathlete Chris Moiser, wrestlers Isaiah Swerve Scott and Mia Yim, former MLB player and out gay advocate Billy Bean and more. Check out what some of your favorite athletes and teams were saying about for Spirit Day below:
MLB
On #SpiritDay and every day, MLB supports inclusion and stands against LGBTQ bullying. pic.twitter.com/dQdIIXpFtW
— MLB (@MLB) October 17, 2019
In support of #SpiritDay, the Yankees welcomed New York GLAAD Campus Ambassadors to sit in the Judge's Chambers. These students work with GLAAD and within their local communities to build an LGBTQ movement to accelerate acceptance and end hate and discrimination. pic.twitter.com/cEitcw26uk
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 18, 2019
Together, we stand against bullying.#SpiritDay pic.twitter.com/aZI3ukGb9R
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) October 17, 2019
Let’s tell every young person it’s ok to be YOU no matter your background, race, religion, ability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. On #SpiritDay go purple !! https://t.co/mSloVlXuZ6 pic.twitter.com/jRlM3KfoeM
— Billy Bean (@billybeanball) October 17, 2019
MLS
We're stronger as teams, schools and communities when we stand together against bullying.#SpiritDay #SoccerForAll pic.twitter.com/5a2kcCmsS8
— MLS WORKS (@MLSWORKS) October 17, 2019
Our teams, schools and communities are stronger when we stand together against bullying. #SpiritDay | #SoccerForAll pic.twitter.com/eOvKxPbiYa
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) October 17, 2019
NBA and WNBA
Today we will take a stand against bullying in celebration of #SpiritDay. Join us in showing your support by taking the
— Timberwolves & Lynx CR (@WolvesLynxCR) October 17, 2019
Spirit Day Pledge at https://t.co/I2v1DIsQzx pic.twitter.com/SZ6ylsrBss
Today is #SpiritDay! Join me and @GLAAD to take a stand against bullying. Show your support by taking the Spirit Day Pledge at https://t.co/J8lT6jDwRi pic.twitter.com/3vbZYF74Pc
— Sue Bird (@S10Bird) October 17, 2019
Today is #SpiritDay! We’re partnering with @glaad to take a stand against bullying. You can show your support by taking the Spirit Day Pledge at https://t.co/l6THnHZa7n pic.twitter.com/pfZvQ6Y2Qg
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 17, 2019
.@NBA, @WNBA, @nbagleague and @nba2kleague employees show their support for @GLAAD #SpiritDay by going purple to take a stand against bullying!
— NBA Cares (@nbacares) October 17, 2019
To learn more, visit https://t.co/XO0SrjkExv pic.twitter.com/iJbRg7Spyb
WWE
.@WWE is proud to partner with @glaad in support of the LGBTQ community. To learn how you can support #Spirit Day visit https://t.co/eMjfRtO9Qr. #BullyingPreventionMonth #BeaSTAR @TitusONeilWWE pic.twitter.com/t95d5n59ln
— WWE (@WWE) October 17, 2019
#SpiritDay is October 17th and millions will stand up against bullying and show their support for LGBTQ youth by going purple. Take the pledge to show your support: https://t.co/TuxlUeoWDN pic.twitter.com/Ow2gHx7ahP
— The HBIC (@MiaYim) October 17, 2019
Thank you @glaad!
— Isaiah Swerve Scott (@swerveconfident) October 16, 2019
WE'RE AGAINST BULLYING#spiritday #tolerance pic.twitter.com/FcHuHDGlyx
More Pro and College Athletes and Teams
NFL Network showcases Spirit Day during on-air broadcast.
We are a team and a community and it’s important that we support every member.
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 17, 2019
Take a stand with us today, on #SpiritDay, to support LGBTQ youth. We are stronger together.
Join the movement: https://t.co/AcC2dLNz8q #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/TLusqAHTcy
Today is #SpiritDay so @michaelpavano and I are going purple to support LGBTQ youth by taking a stand against bullying. No child should live in fear because of who they are. Be bold. Be proud. Be YOU! pic.twitter.com/uwB6WaEPgv
— Anthony Bowens (@Bowens_Official) October 17, 2019
LGBTQ youth: I see you, I stand with you, & I will never stop fighting for you. I see you & I see a version of myself - I hope you can see me & see a future for yourself as well.
— The Chris Mosier (@TheChrisMosier) October 17, 2019
You are valid, you belong, and you are loved. #SpiritDay pic.twitter.com/WMc06Nf3P9
About Spirit Day
Each year, millions go purple for GLAAD’s Spirit Day to support LGBTQ youth in a united stand against bullying. Started in 2010 by high school student Brittany McMillan in response to numerous young LGBTQ lives lost to suicide, Spirit Day now draws the participation of celebrities, schools, faith institutions, national landmarks, corporations, media outlets, sports leagues, and advocates around the world, all joining together to stand against bullying and support LGBTQ youth.
Presenting partners Pantene and Target, official partners Kellogg’s and the NBA and WNBA, and community partners Amazon, Johnson & Johnson, Kirkland & Ellis, and Wells Fargo will all participate in the anti-bullying campaign. As anti-LGBTQ policies, hate crimes, and harassment are on the rise, it is now especially important to let all marginalized youth know they are supported.
This year, Spirit Day is on October 17, 2019. Take the Spirit Day pledge to show LGBTQ youth you've got their backs at glaad.org/spiritday. Follow @GLAAD on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to keep up to date with #SpiritDay news.
