The expression that silence speaks louder than words has never been more true than it is today. Why is that? Well, today is Day of Silence. I will have to admit that I had never heard of Day of Silence until earlier this month when I was looking for different holidays to potentially write about this month. I assumed what the day was but I didn’t really know, so I looked it up and I’m glad that I did.
Day of Silence is defined as a “student-led demonstration where LGBTQ students and allies take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ people in schools” (source). After going through an entire day of not speaking, the day ends with rallies and people are able to share their experience. Day of Silence started in the ’90s and happens every April, so it’s surprising that I don’t hear about it…or hear about it often.
As an ally of the community and a friend to some people who are in the community, I understand how important it is to listen and make sure the community is heard. There are so many stories and tragedies of people in the LGBTQ community who have been harassed in schools and it’s ended up to a point where they just could not take it anymore. I’ve been bullied throughout my entire life in school and I can’t even imagine how much worse it could’ve been if I was also part of the LGBTQ community. There are so many people who never get a chance to have their voices heard or are scared to share what they’ve been through. It’s time for their voices to be heard and it’s time for schools to do a better job at handling these situations.
If you would like to participate in Day of Silence and join the virtual Breaking The Silence rally, you can find out how to do so by checking out GLSEN. They also have tons of information and an option to donate as well.
Have you been harassed or know someone who has been harassed in school for being in the LGBTQ community? How do you think schools should better handle these situations?
This is such an important issue! As someone who’s grown up with a very LGBTQ+ friendly family, school and surrounded by open minded friends, sometimes I forget just how bad it can still be!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
That’s great that you grew up in such a great environment. I wish schools were like that everywhere. I also find it easy to forget how bad things can be, especially when it comes to schools, when you’re not in the community. Not being in the community, this hasn’t been a worry for me, but when you think about what children go through daily or the trauma adults might have today because they went through such harassment, it’s really saddening. I’m glad that there are events like Day of Silence to help make people aware.
Thank you for sharing this important topic.💜
Of course! I have a platform and I believe in using it to my best ability ♥
I had no idea about this day before seeing your post, and I am glad I stopped to read it as I was walking to the market this morning. I am going to check out how I can support this, since the least we can do is show we care. x
Reasons like this are why I’m glad that I have this platform. I know I may not hit on every case or cause, but I’m glad that I have the platform to inform others about things like this because not everyone knows who would be supportive of it. I’m glad that I could help bring more awareness and I appreciate you for reading! ♥