Maybe I am unaware of what many here already know, but maybe this info is not getting out at least on this site. I heard today about a student day of silence to protest the civil rights abuses toward gays in this country. I was delighted to see such action against hate by some young folks, and I hope it draws a large following and attention. About time the young folks in this country (along with others) said enough is enough to the ultra right. More specific info below.
A link
The Day of Silence®, a project of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN®) in collaboration with the United States Student Association (USSA), is a student-led day of action where those who support making anti-LGBT bullying and harassment unacceptable in schools take part in activities to recognize and protest the discrimination and harassment - in effect, the silencing - experienced by LGBT students and their allies.
500,000 students from approximately 4,000 schools will take part in this year's Day of Silence® on April 26, 2006.
another link
What is the Day of Silence?
The Day of Silence is a day in which people of all sexual orientations and gender identities who support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights take a vow of silence to recognize and protest the silence that LGBT people face each day. According to organizers for the Day of Silence Project (contact information at the bottom of this sheet), "the event is designed to raise awareness and protest the silence faced by LGBT people, and offer tools with which to end the silence." The 2006 Day of Silence will be held on April 26th.
The project consists of a vow of silence for the entire school day, or however long your school wishes to have it, where participants pass out cards that state their reasons for not speaking (see below). At the end of the silence, participants can host a series of follow up events to educate their communities on how to keep the silence from continuing.
Many GSAs have organized around the Day of Silence as a way of raising awareness and fighting homophobia in their schools. This resource sheet is designed to help GSAs get started in planning for participation in the Day of Silence.