Friday, April 21st marks GLSEN’s annual Day of Silence, one of the nation’s largest student-led days of action. Thousands of students across the country will take a vow of silence as a symbolic representation of the silencing effect of anti-LGBT and Gender Non-Conforming students, and their allies.
Friday, April 21st marks GLSEN’s annual Day of Silence, one of the nation’s largest student-led days of action. Thousands of students across the country will take a vow of silence as a symbolic representation of the silencing effect of anti-Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender name-calling, bullying, and harassment experienced by LGBT and Gender Non-Conforming students, and their allies.
Silence is such a powerful organizing tool that goes back generations. One reason people choose silence is because it can be used to show peaceful solidarity among participants. On the Day of Silence, students use silence as a tool to bring awareness to the experiences many LGBT youth still face each day as they walk the hallways and classrooms where they aren’t allowed to thrive being who they are. By taking a vow of silence, students bring the silencing effects of bullying and harassment to the consciousness of their school community and foster an environment where change in their schools and communities is possible. Silence speaks volumes. You can amplify the message.
You can participate even if you’re not a Truman student. Bring the message of this day to your college campus, to place of employment, your place of worship, or even to your dinner table. Visit GLSEN.org for more information and ideas on how you can participate.
If you are on the Truman campus, you can stop by the RAPP room and fill out a “selfie for silence” saying what you will do to end the silence. Students really do seem to appreciate seeing their teachers and peers participate in these campaigns.
As always, I look forward to our continued collaboration in creating a culture of respect, understanding, and compassion! Thank you.
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