Wear Purple Wednesday to Support Tolerance

In recent months, six young, gay men have taken their lives due to acts of homophobic abuse. People everywhere are urged to wear purple this Wednesday (that's tomorrow) to show your support and encourage tolerance within the community. This viral call to action has spread rapidly via social media like Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr. Named “Spirit Day because the purple represents spirit on the LBGTQ flag,” the event hopes to show LGBT youth that they are accepted for who they are, regardless of sexual preference.

The issue of gay teen suicides has received tremendous media attention of late, in part because of the wildly successful It Gets Better Project launched by Stranger editor Dan Savage.

Suicide is never the answer. If you or someone you know is in crisis, the USA National Suicide Hotlines are available, toll-free, 24 hours/day, seven days a week. 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Help put an end to hate and remember that every life is precious.