Why Do We Observe The Day Of Silence?
- For those experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988
- For those experiencing abuse, please contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- For those experiencing substance use, please contact SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357
If you're an LGBTQIA+ youth or young adult in crisis, reach out to The Trevor Project hotline by calling 1-866-488-7386 or texting "START" to 678-678. You can also use their online chat.
If you're an LGBTQIA+ youth or young adult in crisis, reach out to The Trevor Project hotline by calling 1-866-488-7386 or texting "START" to 678-678. You can also use their online chat.
The Day of Silence occurs on the second Friday of April every year. It's an essential and well-known event within the LGBTQIA+ community. On this official day, hundreds of thousands of participants take a vow of silence to protest the anti lgbt bullying and harassment faced by LGBTQIA+ students due to their sexual orientation.
Individuals and society can take various steps throughout the year to support LGBTQIA+ students and bring attention to the voices of those in this community. Whether you're a part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, you can drive awareness to this annual nonviolent protest in a few ways.
What is the Day of Silence?
The Day of Silence is an event dedicated to spreading awareness about the harmful effects of harassment and bullying on LGBTQIA+ students. The first Day of Silence took place in 1996. It was founded by two college students at the University of Virginia. In 2001, GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network), an organization founded by teachers that strives to advise on, research, and advocate for policies that care for LGBTQIA+ students, became the official organizational sponsor of the Day of Silence. Days dedicated to this cause are observed annually by LGBTQIA+ students and allies alike to foster a supportive, inclusive environment.
Research on LGBTQIA+ students and youth shows that:
In 2021, 75% of LGBTQIA+ youth between 13 and 24 said they'd faced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity at some point in their lives. Over half had experienced discrimination over the year preceding the survey.
Youth between the ages of 13 and 24 in the LGBTQIA+ community who had connections to affirming spaces reported lower rates of suicide attempts. For transgender and nonbinary youth, having pronouns respected by individuals they lived with and the ability to change one's name and gender marker on legal documents notably decreased suicide risk.
29% of transgender youth have been threatened or injured with a weapon on school property, whereas only 7% of cisgender youth have had this experience. About 16% of lesbian or gay youth and 11% of bisexual youth have been threatened or injured with a weapon on school property, compared to 7% of their straight counterparts.
43% of transgender youth faced bullying on school property in 2019, indicating that bullying had increased for transgender youth since 2017. In addition, 29% of lesbian or gay youth and 31% of bisexual youth experienced bullying on school property.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text 988 to talk to a crisis provider over SMS. They are available 24/7 to offer support. 988 also offers an online chat for those with an internet connection.
Though the Day Of Silence began in the 1990s, there's still a significant need for change in both the environment of public schools and of the world. If you want to participate in the Day of Silence and support LGBTQIA+ students, there are several ways to do so, both on the Day of Silence and on an ongoing basis.
How to participate and support LGBTQIA+ students on a school day
Traditionally, the Day Of Silence is observed by students remaining silent throughout the school day as a symbolic way to reclaim forced silence among LGBTQIA+ students. They proceed to break the silence at the end of the day. However, there are ways to get involved and support LGBTQIA+ students beyond staying silent on the Day Of Silence, no matter who you are. Whether you're a public school educator, student, parent, philanthropist with new funding to give or someone who cares about the cause, there are actionable steps you can take, including but not limited to the following.
Participate as a student
If you are a student, you can participate in the Day of Silence by taking a vow to remain silent throughout the day and participating in an organized "break the silence" event at the end of the school day. Several resources can help you get started with the Day of Silence at your school or create an organized day of action as a student leader.
The sample Day of Silence resolution on the GLSEN website may also be helpful.
Participate as an educator
If you are an educator or work in a school setting, allow students to engage in the Day of Silence, which may be rarely sponsored by schools and is often a solely student-led day. You can support students by not forcing them to speak if they are participating in the Day of Silence. Teachers can also support the cause by designing speaking cards for students to use in class and creating a Day of Silence class project for students to get involved such as making pro LGBTQIA+ t-shirts. Help them preserve the right to participate by backing them up as they remain silent. You can read the guide for educators on the GLSEN website for more information on supporting those of the LGBTQIA+ population.
GLSEN has an inclusive curriculum guide for educators to make their curriculum more inclusive of all students.
Have a no-tolerance policy
Do not tolerate homophobic remarks, bullying, transphobia, or other forms of violence at home, school, or the workplace.
Fight back against anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation
Despite the strides the community has made with LGBTQIA+ rights, the rights of LGBTQIA+ people are still under attack across the globe, with legislation affecting education and the ability to participate in sports, healthcare, and other areas. Stay informed on anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and get involved in the fight against it, even if it’s via a virtual rally.
Care for yourself
If you belong to the LGBTQIA+ community, taking the time to take care of yourself can be crucial. Social support, surrounding yourself with people who embrace who you are, and connection to affirming care, including therapists working with people of the LGBTQIA+ population, can all make a difference.
If you're looking for a community, you may be able to find GSAs, support groups, local LGBTQIA+ centers, or online avenues for connection. Various mental health concerns disproportionately impact individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community, including substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, and other mental health conditions. Having the support of a professional can be essential in these challenges.
Young LGBTQIA+ people experiencing LGBTQIA+ youth-related problems may benefit from speaking with a therapist or counselor specializing in supporting LGBT youth. You can find a therapist or counselor to work with through your university if you are a student, or you can search the web or use an online directory to find an affirming therapist in your area.
Talk to an LGBTQIA+-affirming therapist
Finding an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist to work with face-to-face in some locations can be difficult. Still, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp strive to make receiving support more convenient. When you sign up, you'll take a brief questionnaire to match you with a professional who meets your needs. You can opt to see a licensed therapist through the platform who specializes in working with people of the LGBTQIA+ population if you choose.
Online therapy is not a replacement for crisis care. Still, it provides an opportunity for individuals to get quality mental health support from the comfort of their own homes or anywhere they have a stable and reliable internet connection. Getting started with a therapist is often faster than working face-to-face. In addition, you don't have to worry about commuting to an office or being on a waiting list.
Research shows that internet-based modalities can be as effective as in-person care for various mental health conditions and that people sometimes prefer it over in-person services.
Takeaway
What is the meaning of this day?
This day was established initially as a one-off event during Pride week in 1996 to draw attention to the physical harassment and other ignored concerns faced by thousands of LGBTQ students. It caught on, and spread nationwide across public school districts. In 2000, The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) became the formal organization sponsor, and promotes and supports the event to this day.
What is the vow of silence in school?
Launched in 1996 by students at the University of Virginia, this vow is a silent protest that spread to public schools across the nation to draw attention to the concerns, and proclaim solidarity with LGBT students. Students usually tape Xs across their mouths to draw further attention to their protest, and hand out speaking cards to explain why they are being quiet for the day. At the day's end, the silence is typically broken with either a live or virtual rally event.
What is "time of silence" meaning?
While this can mean different things in different contexts, in this specific case, it's meant to draw attention to the issues faced by LGBTQ+ youth. It provides information and free resources to promote gender identity education, and anti-LGBT bullying.
- Previous Article
- Next Article