Oct. 19 is Spirit Day, that wonderful fall day where gays and their allies wear purple. Are you wearing purple today? Well, allow me to tell you where that purpleness comes from, historically!

Today, a closeted peer can look around a room and see all the people who will support his or her decision to come out. A bullied student can see the people who will not stand by without intervening. As we wear purple today, we give a visual of all the love and support we have to offer.

Players from all major professional sports leagues will be joining a number of Hollywood A-listers and even some prominent U.S. landmarks in "going pu...

As a teenager who was once ashamed to be gay and afraid to speak up for himself, I know that an event like Spirit Day can make all the difference for someone. By wearing purple, LGBT supporters of all sexual orientations and gender identities can send a powerful message.

I'm a Spirit Day Ambassador for the same reason that I shared my story of growing up as a young trans girl: Only by amplifying our voices and sharing our truth, in its wide array of brilliant colors, do we learn to accept and embrace one another. I urge you to wear purple Oct. 19.