Every year in April, people around the world take a vow of silence to spread awareness of the effects of bullying and harassment on the LGBTQ+ community; this is called the Day of Silence. Remaining silent for this entire day represents the silence that LGBTQ+ people have to keep about their true selves and identities every day.

     Hamburg Area High School’s GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) “hosted” this event this year and last year. It consisted of students signing up to wear a sticker stating that they were participating in being silent for that day. For the most part, it seemed that people who did not take part in this did respect the ones who did. But most importantly, when the people who were being silent were disrespected by students trying to make them speak, they did not break their silence. 

     Students in the HAHS GSA club expressed that the day was “challenging” but “worth it”, and I couldn’t agree more. Everyone in the club also said that they would love to participate next year and the years after that. 

     The “Day of Silence” was created by then-students Maria Pulzetti and Jessie Gilliam, the first event was organized by students at the University of Virginia in 1996. Rainbow Pride flags were flown and waved throughout the whole campus, and there was not a single conversation held. 

     We now celebrate the Day of Silence to also remember the ones who fought for our freedom to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community. If not for them we would have nothing to be silent for. Altogether, the Day of Silence is a day for straight allies and LGBTQ+ people to come together and be silent in respect and awareness for others and themselves. 

     For more information, visit: https://www.glsen.org/dayofsilence