The second Friday in April, is the International Day of Silence.
Why a Day of Silence?
In 1996, Maria Pulzetti, a student at the University of Virginia, created a way to raise awareness of the bullying of LGBTQ+ youth. The kids were continually silenced and ignored by parents and administrators, and their concerns and complaints were falling on deaf ears.
She believed that the lack of talking represented the silencing of LGBTQ+ students, which gave all students a way to participate in the support of the LGBTQ+ community. Many participants wear tape over their mouths or Xs on their hands to further call attention to the movement. At the end of the day, the silence is typically broken with a rally or speaking event, allowing all participants to end their vow together.
By 1997 hundreds of schools and universities around the country were participating in the initiative.
In 2008 The Day of Silence was held in memory of Larry King, a 15-year-old boy who was shot by a classmate over his sexual identity.
Initially intended to focus on this problem within the school system, it has expanded into workplaces, university campuses, and sporting events.
Today, the Day of Silence is observed in all 50 states and internationally, with over 10,000 institutions registered as participants.
It will be hard to be silent on Friday since I talk for a living, but I will find a way to show support. #dayofsilence #supportLGBTQyouth #silenceforLGBTQ #InternationalDayofSilence
