purple

Today is the “Purple Day,” and it is also known as “Spirit Day”. Chicago’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community is encouraged to wear purple on Wednesday, October 20, as to raise awareness about LGBTQ harassment and suicide.

This day was formed by teenager Brittany McMillan earlier this month, in response to the current spate of LGBT youth suicides, due to harassment. Spirit Day now counts millions of Americans devoted on Facebook to wearing the colour purple on Wednesday.

In addition to wearing the colour purple, The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is also enquiring Americans to turn their Facebook and Twitter photos purple until Wednesday and to share messages of hold up for LGBT youth.

Local businesses are coming together to help lift up awareness. Scarlet and Minibar in Boystown will be contributing in ‘Painting the Town Purple’ with events on Wednesday start at 10 pm to benefit the Trevor Project.

The Trevor Project works the nation’s only 24-hour suicide and emergency prevention helpline for LGBTQ youth. They also run TrevorChat, an online messaging service that joins young people with a counsellor.