You might have noticed that deviantART is wearing purple today, as October 20, 2010 marks Spirit Day -- an event to honor teens who have lost their lives to anti-LGBT bullying.

While this specific type of bullying has received a lot of media attention as of late, we'd like to bring to light how bullying is a wide-spread problem that impacts everyone -- regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, ethnicity, race, or profession. And the recent surge of teen suicides associated with bullying can't be ignored or overlooked.

In honor of Spirit Day, deviantART CEO Angelo Sotira ($spyed) took a few minutes to address this serious topic, and offers some heartfelt words.







Thank you!

Thank you for making our community as diverse, open, and accessible as it is today. Thank you for sharing your art, love, and positive contributions. Thank you for appreciating the individuality of our members while embracing each others differences. And most of all, thank you for being you.





Everyone's going purple!

Many others are participating in Spirit Day. DeviantART is among a number of individuals and organizations including Ellen DeGeneres, Kathy Griffin, Ryan Seacrest, Katie Couric, Khloé Kardashian, the cast of Glee, and many others!





Let's make it last longer than one day!

DeviantART will be "wearing" purple until Friday, and we encourage everyone to honor what it represents with us. We've created a Spirit Day gallery for you to submit your artwork that further emphasize the concept of "Spirit Day."

Submit your artwork that encourage themes such as acceptance, love, kindness, inclusion, diversity, embracing differences, compassion, empathy, and of course, purple!

More information

Official Spirit Day Website

Stand Up 2 Bullying

Stop Bullying Now

Bullying UK