Day of Silence is a day in which students participate by being silent throughout the day to show their support for and recognition of those that are 'silent' every day. Generally this is done to show support and recognize LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) people, but can be used as a day to recognize anyone that is silenced. To participate, students simply don't talk throughout the day, and some even make T-shirts for the day. It is generally run by a school's GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance), and is student coordinated. For more information, go to the Day of Silence Project's website at www.dayofsilence.org
by Tboy321032 April 26, 2006
Many GSAs have organized around the Day of Silence as a way of raising awareness and fighting homophobia in their schools. Founded in 1996, the Day of Silence® has become the largest single student-led action towards creating safer schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Today - The possibilities are endless. Just imagine: tens of thousands of students, from San Francisco, California to Irmo, South Carolina, united in a visible silence to create real change in local schools. Whether used to educate classmates on the damaging effects of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment or to demand passage of a statewide nondiscriminatory act inclusive of LGBT people, the Day of Silence® is an awesome opportunity to create more inclusive school environments and make some noise.
Today - The possibilities are endless. Just imagine: tens of thousands of students, from San Francisco, California to Irmo, South Carolina, united in a visible silence to create real change in local schools. Whether used to educate classmates on the damaging effects of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment or to demand passage of a statewide nondiscriminatory act inclusive of LGBT people, the Day of Silence® is an awesome opportunity to create more inclusive school environments and make some noise.
On April 26th, you can show teachers and other students this:
"Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights. People who are silent today believe that laws and attitudes should be inclusive of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. The day of silence is to draw attention to those who have been silenced by hatred, oppression, and prejudice. Think about the voices you are not hearing. What can you do to end the silence?"
This should be a valid excuse not to have to talk for a day at school.
"Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights. People who are silent today believe that laws and attitudes should be inclusive of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. The day of silence is to draw attention to those who have been silenced by hatred, oppression, and prejudice. Think about the voices you are not hearing. What can you do to end the silence?"
This should be a valid excuse not to have to talk for a day at school.
by >>>Me<<< April 26, 2006
The most ignorant act ever conceived by mankind. Refers to a day set aside to protest the harassment of gay people. Most gay people are victims of reverse ignorance. They fail to realize that other minorites are harassed equally as much if not more than they are, yet still think they are above everyone else. It is endorsed in public schools, teaching children that gays are higher than other minorites, and should be treated with more respect. The Day of Silence is most often supported by non-gay, ignorant people. They think they are doing a good thing, but again fail to realize their own elitist ignorance.
(Teacher)"Okay, class, today we are celebrating the Day of Silence, to show that gays shouldn't be opressed."
(Mexican)"Oh boy, do we have a Day of Silence?"
(Teacher)"No."
(Mexican)"Why not? We're oppressed too."
(Teacher)"Yes, but gay people are above everyone else. See, you might be oppressed, but nobody cares because gay people are much more important than you."
(Mexican)"Oh, I see. Thanks, teach!"
(Mexican)"Oh boy, do we have a Day of Silence?"
(Teacher)"No."
(Mexican)"Why not? We're oppressed too."
(Teacher)"Yes, but gay people are above everyone else. See, you might be oppressed, but nobody cares because gay people are much more important than you."
(Mexican)"Oh, I see. Thanks, teach!"
by Devin "Table Stakes" McDermott May 2, 2004
A day of no talking to try and stop the silence of those that have been silenced. Many people think it is just for gays, lesbians, Bisexuals or transgenders, but it is for ANYBODY who has been bullied. Everybody sees it a different way and the day of silence can mean anything you want it to.
Person 1: Hey you, whats up?
Person 2:*does not reply*
Person 1: Oh yea thats right it's the day of silence. Whats it mean to you?
PErson 2:*Shows card for not speaking*
Person1: Ohkay
Person 2:*does not reply*
Person 1: Oh yea thats right it's the day of silence. Whats it mean to you?
PErson 2:*Shows card for not speaking*
Person1: Ohkay
by >>Flirtatious<< April 12, 2011