Go ahead and wear purple

Today is Spirit Day, when LGBTQ youth and allies are invited to wear purple as a show of solidarity against bullies.

Some are quick to point out that bullies have always been with us (I was bullied as a kid), and that we'd be better off teaching kids to be bully proof. I agree and will touch on that in a later blog. But, today is not about making ourselves immune to verbal harassment -- it's about the power of people who unite to show support.

If you're a young man who is less likely to be bullied, or you are better able to deal with bullies than some of your friends, then YOU are the type of person we need to wear purple today. We need YOU to be visible so others can come to you for support when they need somebody to help. You have a responsibility to help those who don't have the strength you do.

If you're one of the guys who is always being picked on, then please look for the people in purple. By showing up in purple today, they are telling you that they can help, and that they want your school to be a safe place.

I'm wearing purple today. Not because I deal with bullying in my workplace, but because I have your back, along with thousands of other adult allies. You don't have to be our kids for us to fight for you. Reach out to us, and we will step in however we can.