Friday, October 19, is Spirit Day, which raises awareness about bullying. Anti-bullying advocates are asking President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney to both wear purple on Spirit Day to stand against bullying and support LGBT youth, according to a statement by GLAAD, which organizes the event. The promotion of the color this year has added meaning because purple is the result of blending blue, associated with Democrats, and red, associated with Republicans. Studies have shown that LGBT youth who have been bullied are at greater risk for depression and HIV.

To read the statement, click here.