Photo: (MTV, People, Getty)
Today is Spirit Day, and people everywhere are donning purple to show their support against LGBT bullying. But this isn't just a fashion statement -- this is about going out there and showing we can make a stand against bullying and show love to our LGBT fam and friends.
Spirit Day is practically a baby -- it was born in 2010 by Canadian teen Brittany McMillan, and like whoa, did it take off! In 2010, 2 million people participated in the day and last year 3 million people got involved. This year you're about to see the world go purple! So get on your violet, lavender, mauve, or whatever your fave shade of purple is. Go over to GLADD for ways to take action: you can spread the good word about #SpiritDay, pledge to go purple and share lots of purple-y photos. And for more spirit, check out purple-clad celebs -- from Adam Lambert to Dianna Agron -- who show mad support for today.
+ Shay Mitchell
Shay Mitchell of "Pretty Little Liars" def. looks pretty in purple! She plays a gay teen on the show, and LGBT rights are so important to her that she's one of the official ambassadors of Spirit Day. While Shay herself isn't gay, playing Emily on "Pretty Little Liars" helps bring LGBT issues to the mainstream. Go gurl!
+ Dianna Agron
You know someone from "Glee" has got to be part of this, right? Dianna Agron is another ambassador for this purple-lovin', all-important day, and she's no stranger to LGBT orgs. Along with helping out GLAAD, she's also hooked up with The Trevor Project and GLSEN. And remember her support of the anti-bullying Seth's Law in California?
+ Adam Lambert
Whadaya we want from you, Adam? We want you just as you are, baby! The incredibly talented singer who looks real good in purple (um, he looks good in everything he wears) is very passionate about LGBT rights. Last year he Tweeted, "Glaad Spirit Day! I support LBGT youth against bullies! Put up your forcefields and don't let anyone take your energy!!"
+ Jersey Shore
On Spirit Day, Snooki can put aside her leopard prints to put on the royal color. Last year we got snaps of JWOWW, Vinny, Deena and Pauly D all going purple in Jerze. The crew have been outspoken in their LGBT support, like JWOWW stumping for marriage equality and Vinny presenting at the GLAAD Awards. See, they don't just talk GTL at the "Jersey Shore."
+ Farrah Abraham
Looking at our own MTV family, we see that "Teen Mom" Farrah is all about Spirit Day and LGBT rights. Talking about the election, she said that marriage equality is one of the things she's going to look for in a candidate. And last year she Tweeted a pic of herself and her lil girl Sophia both decked out in purple. Beyond adorbs.
+ Shaq
The NBA legend is another fine ambassador for Spirit Day. Didn't realize that Mr. O'Neal was so passionate for LGBT rights? He also took part in GLAAD's Amplify Your Voice PSA last year. And at 7'1" tall, it's just too bad he can't be a personal bodyguard for anyone being bullied. I've seen him in person at Lakers games; trust me, if he's got your back, people will leave you alone.
+ Ellen DeGeneres
Do you think Ellen will come up with her own special dance for Spirit Day? You don't get much more awesome than Ellen DeGeneres, and she and her wife Portia de Rossi are two big supporters of LGBT rights. Last year Ellen said purple wasn't her color, but she still donned a purple tie, and she talked about the different colors she'd been wearing for different events. "Regardless of the color that I'm wearing, you should always know that every single day I support kindness and compassion and equal rights for everyone," she said.
+ Daniel Radcliffe
Now that the Harry Potter movies are over, Daniel's probably trying to attach himself to a new image so he's not just seen as "the guy who played Harry." How about the image of Daniel as a philanthropist? He's a big heterosexual ally in the fight against LGBT bullying and is waaaay involved with The Trevor Project, which led him to win The Trevor Project Hero Award. Now that's the spirit!
