Spirit Day was first established in 2010 by Canadian teenager Brittany McMillan. It was created in response to a series of bullying related suicides of LGBT2Q+ students in 2010. This day encourages everyone to speak out against LGBT2Q bullying and standing with LGBT2Q youth, who disproportionately face bullying and harassment because of their identities. On this day, supporters  wear purple as a way to visibly show solidarity with LGBTQ youth and to honour LGBT2Q+ victims of suicide.

The name “Spirit Day” comes from the purple stripe of the Rainbow flag which represents ‘spirit’.