All across the country today, people will be decked out in purple in support of young LGBT men and women who have taken their own lives due to homophobic abuse and discrimination. The national movement is being promoted by the Penn State Brandywine Gay-Straight Alliance, but is taking place at all campuses throughout the commonwealth.

The movement was started by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) in response to several recent suicides by young LGBT students, most notably Rutgers University student Tyler Clementi, who jumped off the George Washington Bridge following the release of a sex tape of him with another male student.

GLAAD’s website states that “Wearing purple on October 20 is a simple way to show the world that you stand by these courageous young people and a simple way to stand UP to the bullies. Remember those lives we’ve tragically lost, and show your solidarity with those who are still fighting. ‘Go Purple’ today!”