Students Observe Day Of Silence, Take Stand Against Anti-LGBTQ Bullying

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — Westhampton Beach students took a vow of silence on Friday, joining with others across the nation marking the 21st Annual National Day of Silence movement.

The students, wearing shirts donated by the Westhampton Beach Chamber of Commerce, took vows not to speak to bring attention to the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals, the district said.

To further their efforts, participants signed a Day of Silence poster, pledging their support against harassment and bullying and provided information to their peers during lunch periods, the district added.

For over two decades, GLSEN’s Day of Silence, now in its 21st year, has been a day for tens of thousands of students to take a stand against the anti-LGBTQ bullying, harassment, and name-calling that silences many students, a release from GLSEN said .

According to GLESEN, across the country, LGBTQ students are facing a further crisis: the reversal of transgender-inclusive Title IX guidance by the U.S. Department of Education.

“At a time of uncertainty and fear, this year’s Day of Silence takes on added importance. Thousands of students in elementary, middle and high schools across the country will take part, acting to end the silence caused by stigma, discrimination, and violence directed at LGBTQ people. Their symbolic silence and the actions they take to end that silence for themselves and others represent a moving and powerful commitment to positive change,” said GLSEN’s Executive Director Dr. Eliza Byard.

“In some places, whole school communities come together in solidarity. In others, students may not feel safe enough to make their observance known to others. But everywhere, the message is the same: LGBTQ students simply want to live free from the silence of fear, violence, and discrimination. We cannot allow anyone to turn back the clock on the progress made in the 21 years since the first Day of Silence, and we call on leaders at all levels to affirm their support for the right of LGBTQ students to be themselves," she said.

Photo courtesy of the Westhampton Beach School District.