This Friday, April 24th, is the National Day of Silence. The Day of Silence began in 1996 as a student-led initiative to draw attention to the bullying and harassment of students in the LGBTQ+ community. Annually on this day, our students in the LGBTQ+ community as well as allies remain silent to draw attention to the silence that is caused by discrimination and prejudice.
During this time of “Safer at Home” we know that many LGBTQ+ youth are experiencing greater isolation, and may be significantly cut of from their day-to-day supports including their peers, their GSA or school club, and affirming adults at school. Some students may be additionally isolated and lacking supportive adults at home.
Original Photo: Schuyler Bailar
We might not be physically in school on Friday, but we can still show our support for our students, our family, our friends. One way to show our support for LGBTQ+ youth who are experiencing isolation is to blanket social media with selfies and/or short videos expressing our love and support for them.
Photo Credit: Emily McKee
Please join us by posting an affirming selfie or short video to our Facebook event page that we can share on social media, and please share them yourself this Friday and tag GSAFE!
Photo Credit: Beth Franklin