Why I'm Going Purple For Spirit Day

Just to be clear and upright, this post is not one on Catholic moral teachings.  It is an invitation to stand against bullying and violence targeting LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) youths in American schools.  This Friday, October 19, is a day known as “Spirit Day” (http://www.glaad.org/spiritday) that started in 2010 in response to the young people who had taken their lives. 

According to the Trevor Project, LGBT youths are four times more likely to attempt suicide than straight peers (therefore, it is a life issue).  They are eight times as likely when their families reject them compared to families with no or low levels of rejection.  As Catholics, the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that LGBT should be treated with “respect, compassion and sensitivity.”  This is an opportunity for all of us to show our support and love for our neighbors who suffer from discrimination and bullying.  Let’s show our support for our LGBT brothers and sisters by praying for one another, speaking out against bullying and wearing PURPLE this Friday on Spirit Day. Purple is a color of compassion and remorse, the compassion and remorse over any hate speech.

For UW alumni and students, it should be easier to wear purple this Friday.  I will be showing some Huskies pride along with my support for Spirit Day.  P.S. Go Dawgs!