.svg)
Mark your calendars for the second Friday of April, when we will join together in silence to recognize Day of Silence. This day was first started in 1996 as a way to bring attention to the silencing and erasure of LGBTQ+ voices within schools. Since then it has grown into a global movement that highlights the issue of bullying and discrimination against LGBTQ+ youth. It is an opportunity to stand up and show solidarity with those who have experienced this type of oppression, and celebrate our right to be heard and respected!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Day of Silence's Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Day of Silence was founded by students at the University of Virginia, aiming to address the problem of anti-LGBTQ behavior in schools.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1997</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>For the first time, the organizers asked students from all over the USA to participate in the Day of Silence.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>GLSEN's Sponsorship</div><div class='timeline-text'>GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) became the official organizational sponsor of the Day of Silence.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The observance started gaining international attention, whereas students in more than 40 countries held their Day of Silence events.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Day of Silence in US Legislation</div><div class='timeline-text'>U.S. Representative Eliot Engel introduced a resolution in the House to officially recognize the Day of Silence.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Day of Silence During Pandemic</div><div class='timeline-text'>Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the event continued virtually with thousands participating from their homes.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a vow of silence</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Challenge yourself to go a full day without speaking. This is a great way to practice mindfulness and be aware of your thoughts and feelings.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write a letter</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Writing a letter to someone special can be a meaningful way to celebrate Day of Silence. You can express your thoughts in writing without having to say them out loud.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Observe silence in nature</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Go for a walk in nature and take the time to appreciate the beauty and serenity of your surroundings without speaking. Listen to the birds and observe the wildlife, taking in all the sights and sounds.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Meditate</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Day of Silence is the perfect day to practice meditation. Spend some time in solitude, focusing on your breath or repeating a mantra or affirmation, allowing yourself to relax and be present in the moment.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Join an online discussion</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find an online forum or chatroom dedicated to Day of Silence and join in on the conversation. You can share your views, learn from others, and gain insight into this important day.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Day of Silence encourages empathy and understanding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Day of Silence is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the discrimination faced by members of the LGBTQIA+ community. By engaging in activities like taking part in a group silence, we can all become more aware of our assumptions and prejudices, and take steps towards becoming better allies to those around us who may be struggling with their identity.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It strengthens communities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>We can all take part in making our communities stronger and safer for everyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Participating in the Day of Silence helps to increase visibility and understanding, fostering connection between people and organizations that are working together towards common goals.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It provides an opportunity to stand in solidarity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The Day of Silence provides a special occasion when we can come together and show support for those who may feel alone, anxious or afraid. By taking part in this event, we're showing our commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels accepted and respected no matter what their identity may be.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Day of Silence Is Observed by Students across All Levels, from Middle School to College</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Day of Silence is a student-led, national event that involves all levels of the educational spectrum, from middle school to high school and college.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organizations, such as GLSEN, Provide Online Resources for Participant Support</h3><p class='facts-content'>To support participants and engagement in the Day of Silence, GLSEN offers a wide range of resources, including action kits, speaking cards, merchandise and advocacy opportunities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Not Speaking Is Not the Only Way to Participate</h3><p class='facts-content'>While many choose to participate by engaging in verbal silence, others show their support by wearing supportive badges or clothing, or by using social media platforms to spread awareness and share personal stories.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Breaking the Silence Events Mark the End of the Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>At the end of the Day of Silence, communities often hold “Breaking the Silence” events. At these functions, participants can share their experiences from the day, and discuss ways to further support LGBTQ+ youth.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Day of Silence Paved the Way for a Similar Event – Day of Action</h3><p class='facts-content'>Following the model of the Day of Silence, GLSEN introduced a complementary event called Day of Action. This day, occurring in October, encourages active efforts to create safer school environments for LGBTQ+ students.</p></div></div>
2023
Apr 14
Friday
2024
Apr 12
Friday
2025
Apr 11
Friday
2026
Apr 10
Friday
2027
Apr 9
Friday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
