Tomorrow is an important day to show your support for LGBT persons. It’s called The Day of Silence (DOS). Sponsored by GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Educational Network), The Day of Silence is a national youth movement whereby students typically take a vow of silence as a symbol of the silencing effect of anti-LGBT language and bullying.
This silence is caused by anti-LGBT bullying, name-calling and harassment. Ending the silence is the first step toward building awareness and making a commitment to stop the bullying and other injustices of LGBT persons.
GLSEN whose mission is to promote school safety has been holding a Day of Silence in schools annually since 1996. It is estimated that the “Silence is Ours,” event will be one of the largest student-led actions in the country, with more than 8,000 middle and high schools, colleges, and universities in every state and seventy world-wide countries expected to participate.
There is a Definite Need for Silence. Know the Facts:
Harris Poll, between February 17-22, 2016 found that the 2,219 U.S. adults surveyed, 52% reported that they were bullied at school compared to 43% of their heterosexual peers.
· Did you know that LGBT kids miss as much as one day per month of school due to feeling unsafe? More than half reported avoiding school functions, and extracurricular activities.
· Four out of 5 students are bullied in school.
· 61.6% of students who did report an incident in their school said that the school staff did nothing in response.
What is Your School Doing on April 15th? For more ideas, see glsen.org/doseducator.
When Your Child Is Gay: What You Need To Know
For more detailed advice, see book, co-authored with a mother of a gay son and a psychiatrist, Jonathan L. Tobkes, M.D.
