April 18 was Day of Silence. For those unfamiliar with this day, it is an important event for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) individuals and friends. Day of Silence represents the coming together of GLBT students from all over the country to remember the victims of harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. What started in 1996, the Day of Silence has become the largest single student-led action towards creating safer schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. From the first-ever Day of Silence at the University of Virginia in 1996, to the organizing efforts in over 1,900 middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities across the country in 2002, its textured history reflects its diversity in both numbers and reach. Members of Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) took part in the Day of Silence, doing their part to get the word out. All across campus, students were passing out information cards, letting people know that this silencing can’t go on anymore.
Stand up and take notice.
For those individuals who didn’t get a card, it read like this:
Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the Day of Silence, a national youth movement protesting the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their allies. My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by harassment, prejudice, and discrimination. I believe that ending the silence is the first step toward fighting these injustices. Think about the voices you are not hearing today.
Want to get involved with other programs of this nature? So what can you do? GSA is the campus organization with these thoughts and questions in mind. Come out and support your local GSA, become involved and make a difference in the lives of others.
–GSA President