Today is GLSEN's National Day of Silence

The GLSEN National Day of Silence is today and happens annually on the third Friday in April. It is a day which signifies GLSEN's annual day of action to spread awareness about the effects of the bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning students (LGBTQ+).

The day-long vow of silence is to highlight the silencing and erasure of LGBTQ+ people at school. Through this silent protest, students raise awareness of the experiences of LGBTQ+ students in schools and demand that school leaders take action to be more inclusive.

According to GLSEN’s National School Climate Survey, nearly 4 in 5 LGBTQ+ students don’t see positive LGBTQ+ representation in their curriculum, nearly eight in 10 experience verbal harassment, and almost a third miss school for feeling unsafe or uncomfortable.

"This year there is a focus on breaking the silence for LGBTQ students of color, who are often less likely to be visible than their white peers," said Liz Hamor, GLSEN Kansas Chapter Director. In Wichita, KS, GLSEN Kansas is hosting their annual Breaking the Silence Rally today after school from 4:45 - 6 p.m. at Minisa Park in Wichita. At 5 p.m. they will hold a fifteen minute silent demonstration followed by a rally to celebrate breaking the silence.

For more information, visit www.glsen.org/day-silence.

The Gayly. 4/12/2019 @ 1:15 p.m. CST.