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Posted: 2015-10-15T16:38:51Z | Updated: 2015-10-15T18:59:56Z

Michael Sam and Vito Cammisano have teamed up for a new video explaining why they're "going purple" for Spirit Day .

The former couple are all smiles in the new clip, which they hope will inspire viewers to show their support for bullied lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth on Oct. 15 by wearing purple.

"As someone who was once bullied, I think it's very important that we tackle this issue," Sam, who became the first openly gay man to be drafted by the NFL last year, says in the clip. "So many kids have reached out to me, talking about how they've been bullied."

Cammisano shares those sentiments, adding, "I never want any young person to feel like they can't be comfortable being who they are."

Spirit Day was established in response to a widely-publicized rash of LGBT youth suicides, including that of Tyler Clementi , in 2010. Since then, supporters have been encouraged to wear purple, which symbolizes "spirit" on the rainbow flag, in support of bullied youth on Oct. 15 each year.

Head here to read more about Spirit Day 2015.

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