Ellen DeGeneres on Thursday told her Ellen DeGeneres Show audience that she was feeling extra spirited on Spirit Day.

The 53-year-old DeGeneres joked that she begrudgingly wore purple to support Spirit Day, the day set aside to remember troubled gay teens who have been bullied to death.

“Hey listen, if I seem a little extra spirited today, it's because it's Spirit Day,” DeGeneres said during her monologue. “Yes, it's a day that was created by the organization GLAAD to support the gay community. And to show your support for Spirit Day you're supposed to wear purple. … Here's the thing: Purple is not my favorite color. And no offense to Spirit Day people or Prince or anybody, but, I couldn't be more supportive, you know that. I mean I'm one of America's favorite lesbians on television. True there are only 3 of us, but still.”

“Can't we have options? I mean isn't the gay flag a rainbow? This is an organization that encourages people to be individuals and express themselves – and whatever else Madonna sings about,” she added.

(Related: Adam Lambert, Ricky Martin, Tyra Banks support gay teens on Spirit Day.)