- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- LGBTQ
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- 2nd Friday of April
- Holiday emoji:
- 🤫
Day of Silence takes place every second Friday of April, shedding light on the silencing and harassment experienced by LGBTQ+ youth. Millions participate by remaining silent for the day, symbolizing the struggles of their peers. Join the movement, learn about allyship, and advocate for inclusive environments.
Want to sponsor Day of Silence? Learn how
Expected Day of Silence Deals
For Day of Silence, the focus shifts from commercial deals to impactful fundraising and awareness campaigns. Organizations like GLSEN, the primary organizer, partner with corporate allies to amplify their message. Expect donation matching programs from brands committed to LGBTQ+ equality, and opportunities to purchase merchandise where proceeds benefit youth advocacy groups such as The Trevor Project and Human Rights Campaign. Many companies will use their platforms to share educational resources and stories, encouraging their communities to donate directly to support safe schools and inclusive environments. We will update this page with confirmed live activations as April 10 approaches.
Platform Guide for Day of Silence
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #DayOfSilence. Share a silent selfie or a graphic explaining why you’re participating.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #DayOfSilence. Tweet resources from GLSEN or share stories of impact.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #DayOfSilence. Post a video explaining the day’s significance.
Day of Silence Hero
Kevin Jennings
History of Day of Silence
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.
Day of Silence timeline
Maria Pulzetti and fellow students at the University of Virginia create the day, hoping to draw attention to LGBTQ issues on campus.
GLSEN lends its official support to the day, giving it a significant boost in visibility and participation.
More than 8,000 students take the vow of silence, according to GLSEN.
This year’s Day of Silence was held in the memory of Larry King, a 15-year-old boy who was shot by a classmate over his sexual identity.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Day of Silence
Local businesses can observe Day of Silence by fostering an inclusive environment and supporting LGBTQ+ youth. Consider sharing resources from GLSEN or The Trevor Project on your social media channels or in-store. Employees can participate by wearing rainbow pins or a designated color to show solidarity. Businesses could also organize a small, internal fundraiser for a local LGBTQ+ youth center or implement a matching donation program for employee contributions to relevant charities, reinforcing a commitment to diversity and respect.
Day of Silence - Survey Results
Traditions of the Day
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.
By The Numbers
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.
Day of Silence FAQs
When is Day of Silence?
In 2027, Day of Silence will be observed on Friday, April 9. This annual event raises crucial awareness about the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ students.
How many LGBTQ+ youth experience harassment in schools?
Reports from organizations like GLSEN consistently show that a high percentage of LGBTQ+ youth, roughly four out of five, experience harassment in schools. These figures underscore the importance of initiatives like Day of Silence in advocating for safer learning environments.
How many students participate in Day of Silence?
The Day of Silence sees participation from millions of individuals across thousands of K-12 schools and university campuses annually. This collective act of silence creates a powerful statement against the silencing of LGBTQ+ voices.
What is the purpose of Day of Silence?
The primary goal of Day of Silence is to highlight the pervasive issue of anti-LGBTQ+ harassment and discrimination in educational settings. By remaining silent, participants visually represent the struggles of LGBTQ+ youth who are often silenced or ignored.
How to Observe Day of Silence
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.
Organize others
A movement is always more powerful with numbers. Encourage your friends to participate with you, and make the silence that much louder.
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.
5 LGBTQ Facts
42%
42% of people who identify as LGBTQ report feeling unwelcome in their environment.
Need for a safe space
Over half of LGBTQ students say they feel unsafe in school.
Twice as likely
LQBTQ youth are twice as likely as their straight peers to experience physical harassment and bullying.
Almost 100%
92% of LGBTQ youth report receiving negative messages about their sexuality and identity.
Optimism
77% percent of LGBTQ youth are optimistic that these things will improve.
Why Day of Silence is Important
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.
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.
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.
Social Media Tips for Day of Silence
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