National Day of Silence

The National Day of Silence is a day to give a nod to the silence that LGBT people--particularly students--have to live with for fear of bullying, harassment, and even violence. They have to be silent every day of their lives, so today their allies are silent just for one day.

I've done the Day of Silence for a few years now, and it didn't seem like a big thing to me until one of my gay friends realized that I was deliberately not talking, was surprised, and then gave me what might be the most heartfelt thanks I've ever received from anybody. That kind of stopped me in my tracks, because I had to wonder how much shit has she gotten from people, how alone has she been made to feel, that me not talking for a day has such a huge impact for her?

Since then, I've always tried to do this thing. I didn't realize it meant so much, and I still probably don't really "get it," but if it helps, then it's the least I can do, y'know?

National Day of Silence

The National Day of Silence is a day to give a nod to the silence that LGBT people--particularly students--have to live with for fear of bullying, harassment, and even violence. They have to be silent every day of their lives, so today their allies are silent just for one day.

I've done the Day of Silence for a few years now, and it didn't seem like a big thing to me until one of my gay friends realized that I was deliberately not talking, was surprised, and then gave me what might be the most heartfelt thanks I've ever received from anybody. That kind of stopped me in my tracks, because I had to wonder how much shit has she gotten from people, how alone has she been made to feel, that me not talking for a day has such a huge impact for her?

Since then, I've always tried to do this thing. I didn't realize it meant so much, and I still probably don't really "get it," but if it helps, then it's the least I can do, y'know?

National Day of Silence

The National Day of Silence is a day to give a nod to the silence that LGBT people--particularly students--have to live with for fear of bullying, harassment, and even violence. They have to be silent every day of their lives, so today their allies are silent just for one day.

I've done the Day of Silence for a few years now, and it didn't seem like a big thing to me until one of my gay friends realized that I was deliberately not talking, was surprised, and then gave me what might be the most heartfelt thanks I've ever received from anybody. That kind of stopped me in my tracks, because I had to wonder how much shit has she gotten from people, how alone has she been made to feel, that me not talking for a day has such a huge impact for her?

Since then, I've always tried to do this thing. I didn't realize it meant so much, and I still probably don't really "get it," but if it helps, then it's the least I can do, y'know?