Hollywood stars including Alyssa Milano, Laverne Cox, Tyra Banks, Ross Mathews and Kim Petras lent their support to GLAAD for Spirit Day, the LGBTQ anti-bullying campaign, on Thursday.
Spirit Day first began in 2010 when then-high school student Brittany McMillan created a Tumblr post asking students to wear purple following the suicide deaths of several LGBTQ and LGBTQ-perceived young people.
The stars released videos about bullying, including stories about their own experiences, to help spread the word about anti-bullying in the LGBT community.
“I’ve been there. I was bullied severely as a kid,” Cox said in her video. “I survived and right now I’m thriving. I want you to know there’s a better tomorrow and there’s something out there for you in this world that’s bigger than the bullying you’re experiencing.”
Milano urged those who felt bullied to look for help. “It can feel very alone, it can feel very isolating, but the most important thing you can do is find your allies,” said the actress. “Ask for help. Sometimes we can’t do everything on our own.”
In addition to the stars who lent their voice to the cause, Kellogg Company launched a special-edition “All Together” cereal, in collaboration with GLAAD, to support inclusion and stand up to bullying. The cereal will be available Thursday at Kellogg’s New York City cafe.
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Across social media, stars shared their support for the cause.
Singer Adam Lambert tweeted a picture of himself in a purple leather jacket with the caption: “In honor of #SpiritDay, I’m raising money for @GLAAD!! Join me in taking a stand against LGBTQ bullying and supporting inclusion Don’t forget to go purple today too!!”
Tea Leoni similarly tweeted photos of herself sporting purple with a message that read, ” Everyone at #MadamSecretary stands with @glaad against bullying, for #SpiritDay and EVERY day. On #SpiritDay we stand against bullying – and on Nov. 6 we vote against it.”
Sterling K. Brown wrote, “Together, let’s wear purple. Together, let’s make a statement… That it is okay to be who you are, no matter your background, race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Together, let’s celebrate #SpiritDay.”
Allison Janney shared a photo from the set of her sitcom Mom alongside her co-stars (all in purple), saying, “Let’s tell every young person that it’s okay to be who you are, no matter your background, race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. No one should be bullied or called names simply for being who they are. That’s why we’re wearing purple for #SpiritDay. Join us!”
Director Ava DuVernay wrote, “Holding hands with millions across the country against the bullying of our LGBTQ youth. You are loved. #SpiritDay.”
Late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, James Corden and Stephen Colbert also voiced support for the cause.
Though she didn’t have purple on due to traveling abroad, Mariah Carey also lent her voice. “Happy #GLAAD Spirit Day! I don’t have purple ensemble with me in Asia, but I’m celebrating #SpiritDay to support LGBTQ youth!” the singer tweeted.
