Last month, Carrie Goldman wrote how first graders had teased her daughter for using a Star Wars water bottle. On Friday, more than 34,000 people added photos, tributes, and encouragement to the “Star Wars and Geek Pride for Katie” movement on Facebook, including the New York City office of Star Wars-obsessed DK Publishing. The photo is embedded above, click to enlarge.
Here’s more from the original essay: “She wailed, ‘The first grade boys are teasing me at lunch because I have a Star Wars water bottle. They say it’s only for boys. Every day they make fun of me for drinking out of it. I want them to stop, so I’ll just bring a pink water bottle.’ I hugged her hard and felt my heart sink. Such a tender young age, and already she is embarrassed about the water bottle that brought her so much excitement and joy a few months ago.”
If you want to show your support, Katie’s parents suggest that readers donate a Star Wars toy to a needy child. Read more at the support page on Facebook. Below, we’ve embedded an adorable picture of little Katie.
Here’s more about Star Wars and Geek Pride for Katie: “On December 10th this year, let’s really give her something to smile about. On that Friday, wear a Star Wars tee shirt or any other piece of paraphernalia to show that you support Katie, Star Wars, anti-bullying, or at the very least, cool water bottles. If you don’t have any, be creative.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: The original version of this post misstated the original date of the essay. The post has been updated as the story evolved as well.