How are you feeling today? Each year, GLAAD sets aside a day called Spirit Day for speaking out extra-loud against bullying and to show support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. This year, that day is today; and so to celebrate, we have got eight of our favorite anti-bully anthems. Each should remind you that you are strong and beautiful, even when maybe you don’t feel it and no matter what they say. Won’t you listen with us?
“Born This Way,” by Lady Gaga
Paws up! The Mother Monster is here to remind that “there’s nothing wrong with loving who you are” because — black, white, gay, straight, chola or subway kid — you are beautiful because you were born that way.
“Beautiful,” by Christina Aguilera
No matter what they say…
“F***in’ Perfect,” by P!nk
“You can’t move mountains by whispering at them,” wrote P!nk, in the release for this video. “I support the kids out there that feel so desperate/numb/powerless, that feel unseen and unheard, and can’t see another way.. I want them to know I’m aware. I have been there. I see them. Sometimes that’s all it takes.”
“Skyscraper,” by Demi Lovato
Demi’s got a quiver of hurt in her voice here, and so you really know she means it when she sings: “Go on and try to tear me down/I will be rising from the ground, like a skyscraper, like a skyscraper.”
“Firework,” by Katy Perry
Perry recently performed this song as a duet with a young, autistic fan for Comedy Central’s Night Of Too Many Stars, and we will never be able to hear it the same again.
“Unpretty,” by TLC
Pretty on the inside is pretty on the outside.
“Mean,” by Taylor Swift
This song might be aimed at Kanye West, or maybe a mean music journalist (certainly not us, because we would never!), but it serves as a good reminder that you don’t have to put up with anyone who is being mean. All you have to do is repeat after Taylor: “Someday I’ll be big enough so you can’t hit me, and all you’re ever going to be is mean.”
“I Believe I Can Fly,” by R. Kelly
You’ve got the wings, now spread ‘em!
