National Day of Silence (or NO Silence) - 2023

GLSEN’s National Day of Silence is April 14th. The goal of National Day of Silence is to raise awareness of the continued challenges experienced by LGBTQ people. While staff and students may choose to honor this day individually, this is historically the biggest LGBTQ+ student coordinated day of advocacy within SPPS. 

Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) in secondary schools may coordinate for the Day of Silence on April 14^th – or they may select another day for action. Some GSAs have shifted to coordinating a Pride event at their school. Check-in with the resources and LGBTQ+ contact staff at your site for more details! Not sure who your contact person is in your building? Email outforequity@spps.org. 

Ways you and students may participate on April 14^th (or another day):

1. Students can take a vow of silence to demonstrate how so many LGBTQ+ students are made to feel silenced every day.

2. Students (who feel safe) and adults can take a vow of NO silence, committing to speaking up in defense of LGBTQ+ youth in every classroom, every office, every space on- and offline. 

3. Engage and act with LGBTQ+ students and leaders locally! Join the activity that is being organized at your site or another!

Learn more about the present challenges facing LGBTQ+ people and youth: 

• The Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills of 2022, Explained

• 2023 Is Already a Record Year for Anti-LGBTQ Bills in the US

• LGBTQ Youth Experienced Extreme Distress/ Violence During Covid-19 Pandemic

  • Teen Mental Health Suffered During Pandemic 

  • From CDC Report (numerous supplements available)

  • Implications of COVID-19 for LGBTQ Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention