National Today * Day of Silence – April 12, 2024 U.S. *

MORE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL APRIL 12 DAYS 






Created in 1996 and taking place on April 12 this year, Day of Silence is a campaign that seeks to shed light on what many LGBTQ youth experience daily. Initially intended to focus on this problem within the school system, it has since expanded into workplaces, university campuses, and sporting events. Yearly, millions participate by staying silent for the duration of their day, representing the silencing of LGBTQ students.

WHEN IS DAY OF SILENCE 2024?

Day of Silence takes place on April 12 this year. Millions are expected to participate in planned silence across universities, workplaces, and sporting events.

HISTORY OF DAY OF SILENCE

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Day of Silence was created by a University of Virginia student named Maria Pulzetti. She felt that LGBTQ youth were consistently silenced and ignored by parents and administrators, and that their concerns and complaints were falling on deaf ears. Inspired by this, Maria created the Day of Silence as a one-time event held during the University’s LGBTQ pride week. She believed the day would promote awareness amongst those who might not have been tuned into these issues, by surrounding them with a silence they couldn’t help but notice.
In 1997, one year after the day’s creation, it went national, with over 100 institutions participating. In 2000, GLSEN, one of the largest LGBTQ education networks in the country, adopted the Day of Silence as one of their official projects. Today, students at all levels participate in the day. Many participants choose to wear tape over their mouths or Xs on their hands to further call attention to the movement.
At the end of day, the silence is typically broken with a rally or speaking event, allowing all participants to end their vow together. Although some school districts oppose the day, considering it disruptive, most support it, actively encouraging participation through the school’s LGBTQ alliance clubs. Today, there are over 10,000 institutions registered as participants in the day of silence. All 50 states are represented in this number, as well as a number of other countries, including Singapore and New Zealand. Day of Silence continues to grow, as more and more people become aware of the issues facing LGBTQ youth. You can participate in this year’s Day of Silence by registering on the GLSEN website.



THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH THEIR LGBTQ* PEERS
78% of Americans who identify as straight believe that marriage should not be limited to between a man and a woman. 26% of straight Americans consider it important to teach youth tolerance. 4% plan to take a vow of silence in support of Day of Silence. 

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TRADITIONS OF THE DAY

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Silence is a powerful message. On Day of Silence, the LGBTQ community and its supporters use the same silence that they are subjected to for highlighting issues they face and promoting the rights of the LGBTQ community.
In solidarity with the LGBTQ community, students take a vow of silence and participate in silent campus rallies and demonstrations. The message is executed with colorful posters, tapes over mouths, and staged theatrics. The silence is broken by the end of the day.

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BY THE NUMBERS

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1 in 8 – the number of LGBTQ people who have experienced unequal treatment from healthcare staff.
46% – the percentage of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people who are open about their sexual orientation with their family.
4.1% – the estimated percentage of women who identify as LGBT.
350,000 – the number of people in the LGBTQ community that are transgender women.
1 in 5 – the number of LGBTQ women living in poverty.
43% – the percentage of LGBTQ employees who haven’t revealed their orientation at work.
<$12,000 – the annual income earned by 22% of LGBTQ people.

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DAY OF SILENCE FAQS

Will I get in trouble for participating?

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Make sure to check with your school or employer first, but you should be ok to take the vow as long as they have a heads-up.
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Where can I find other participants?

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Check in with your school’s GSA, or look for GLSEN chapters in your area. They will direct you further in how to participate in a group.
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Will this help?

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One day alone won’t solve this problem, but you can certainly be a part of the solution. Promoting conversation and awareness of this issue is a big step in working on these issues.

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HOW TO OBSERVE DAY OF SILENCE

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Take the vow

After all, this is the whole point, right? Spending the day in silence draws attention to these pressing issues, and may invite productive conversation with work or school mates.

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Organize others

A movement is always more powerful with numbers. Encourage your friends to participate with you, and make the silence that much louder.

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Read up on LGBTQ issues

Educate yourself — that way, once you can speak again, you can educate others who may be curious about your vow and why you took it.

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5 LGBTQ FACTS

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42%

42% of people who identify as LGBTQ report feeling unwelcome in their environment.

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Need for a safe space

Over half of LGBTQ students say they feel unsafe in school.

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Twice as likely

LQBTQ youth are twice as likely as their straight peers to experience physical harassment and bullying.

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Almost 100%

92% of LGBTQ youth report receiving negative messages about their sexuality and identity.

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Optimism

77% percent of LGBTQ youth are optimistic that these things will improve.

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WHY DAY OF SILENCE IS IMPORTANT

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It draws attention to a very important issue

LGBTQ bullying is an epidemic in our schools. This is an excellent way to promote awareness and discussion of this issue.

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Anyone can participate

It’s easy to participate in Day of Silence — don’t talk. This is a movement almost anyone can experience, no picket signs required.

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It’s growing all the time

Starting in 1996 on just one college campus, the movement has spread to over 10,000 institutions. Become part of something that’s growing all the time.

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