The Day of Silence is a national grassroots youth movement to bring
attention to the physical and psychological harassment, bullying,
name-calling, violence, and death that faces lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, and queer youth and adults in schools all over the country.
When LGBTQ and Ally youth and adults have the courage to speak their
stories and stand up for their right to be who they are, they are often
met with violence and ostracism. Many of these youth and adults are forced
to choose instead to remain silent, for fear of the retribution they may
face otherwise.
Today, April 25th, 2008, we are silent to remember those who have been
harmed, harassed, and killed because of their sexual orientation, gender
identity, or gender expression. By wearing black and taking this vow of
silence today, we show that we do not condone violence in school against
LGBTQ and Ally youth.
During the day, Freedom Alliance members will be stationed in the Commons
and along Academic Row with information, black T-shirts, and black
bandannas. At 4:30 PM on Erickson Field at UMBC, we will break our silence
with a ceremony to share our experiences of the day and reaffirm our
pledge to work towards ending this silence throughout the year.