This Thursday, October 15, marks the annual Spirit Day for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) youth. San Luis Obispo High School students must show their spirit. The day will bring awareness to the stand against bullying towards the LGBT community and millions will wear purple (the color that represents “spirit” on the rainbow flag) to show their support for the anti-bullying campaign.

“We often point out the differences of others without realizing that our differences, quirks, and idiosyncrasies are the best parts of who we are,” said senior Yulissa Quintana.

According to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), 55.5 percent of LGBT students feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation. Out of these students, 74.1 percent reported they were verbally harassed, 32.2 percent said they were physically harassed, and 16.5 percent stated they were physically assaulted because of their sexual orientation.

“This school needs to do more as a whole, to acknowledge these awareness days and to show their support for the LGBT community,” said junior and Vice President of the Gay Straight Alliance Club Karly Bonzi.

As millions gather to show their respect and support for the LGBT community in the fight against bullying, SLOHS must do the same. To show awareness, come to school this Thursday dressed in your best shade of purple.

Source: http://www.glaad.org/spiritday/resourcekit