Major League Baseball and its clubs, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, celebrated 2023 Spirit Day on Thursday to raise awareness for bullying prevention of LGBTQ youth.
The Dodgers were among the teams that took to social media to spread a message of support for LGBTQ youth by going purple and calling out bullying.
Several members of the front office also wore purple and participated in a Spirit Day panel at Dodger Stadium.
Spirit Day was created in 2010 as a response to LGBTQ youth who have taken their own lives as a result of bullying. It is held on the third Thursday of October every year.
#SpiritDay at Dodger Stadium. 💜 pic.twitter.com/3KqcaLtNQe
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 19, 2023
The Dodgers are proud to take a stand against bullying and support LGBTQ youth. Join the pledge and learn more at https://t.co/FR7QjDeum6. #SpiritDay pic.twitter.com/LRXcORovnU
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 19, 2023
Since its inception, GLAAD has organized thousands of celebrities, athletes and influencers to go purple and support LGBTQ youth by creating clear possibility models for them to thrive and be represented in the world.
While GLAAD research shows that LGBTQ acceptance is at an all-time high, so too is anti-LGBTQ discrimination and bullying.
A 2023 national survey by The Trevor Project shows that 60% of LGBTQ young people have felt discriminated against in the last year due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
According to GLAAD, 96% of non-LGBTQ Americans agree that schools should be a safe and accepting place for all youth.
Dodgers held 10th annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night at Dodger Stadium during 2023 season
The Dodgers held their 10th annual LGBTQ+ Pride Night at Dodger Stadium on July 16 of this past season. There was ultimately some backlash after the Dodgers invited the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, which caused the organization to withdraw their invite.
However, after continued backlash, the organization decided go honor the group.
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