Initiatives & Campaigns

Day of Silence

Started in the mid 90’s by two college students, Day of Silence was a nationally-recognized demonstration where LGBTQ+ students and allies all around the country protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in schools.

Day of Silence

April 10, 2026

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30 Years of Day of Silence:

2026 marks the 30th year of the first Day of Silence. Originally held by students at the University of Virginia, in response to the bullying and harassment of LGBTQ+ students, it has grown to a national day of action pushing back against the silencing of LGBTQ+ youth and the erasure of their experiences.

In our deepening cultural and political divide, LGBTQ+ students are more directly targeted than ever before. From harmful legislation to erasing LGBTQ+ history from school curriculum, it is now more important than ever to take a step back and let our communities know what it feels like when we are stripped of our voices.

Silent Protests as Resistance:

A silent protest is a form of demonstration where people express disagreement or demand change without speaking. Day of Silence is one of many highly successful demonstrations throughout history. Silent protests have been used across movements successfully and are powerful demonstrations that in the case of Day of Silence highlight the importance of intersectional LGBTQ+ youth voice. 

Examples of Silent Protests:

Ways to Participate:

For Young People:

  1. Take a vow of silence. Wear a Day of Silence sticker and hand out a palm card that explains why you’re participating. 
  2. Host a “Break the Silence” event. This could be a rally at your school, social event, open mic, or just a meeting to discuss your experiences during the day.
  3. Post why you’re participating on social media, using the hashtag #dayofsilence. Use one of our Instagram templates or create your own.
  4. Watch the recording of our youth National Organizing Call below or download the toolkit to find out more ways to participate. 

For Adults:

  1. Take a vow of silence in support of LGBTQ+ youth and ask your friends and family to sponsor your efforts. Create a fundraising page using our JustGiving platform to ask your network to support Glisten’s work.
  2. Wear a sticker or hand out a palm card that explains what Day of Silence is and why you’re participating. 
  3. Support a “Break the Silence” event. 
  4. If you can, set an automated away email reply explaining why you’re silent today and link to glisten.org/dayofsilence. 
  5. Post why you’re participating on social media, using the hashtag #dayofsilence. Use one of our Instagram story templates or create your own. 
  6. Change your social media profile photo to the Day of Silence logo, or add one of our profile photo frames to your current photo. 

Social Media Participation

We have created Instagram story templates that you can post on Day of Silence to show your support. We have blank ones that you can fill out your own reason for participating, or you can use one that we have already written.

We have created Instagram story templates that you can post on Day of Silence to show your support. We have blank ones that you can fill out your own reason for participating, or you can use one that we have already written.

Change your profile photo on your social media accounts to a Day of Silence logo or add one of our banners to your current photo. This will grab your followers’ attention and hopefully lead them to coming to your page for more information.

Change your profile photo on your social media accounts to a Day of Silence logo or add one of our banners to your current photo. This will grab your followers’ attention and hopefully lead them to coming to your page for more information.

Create a short video on your story or in your feed explaining why you’re participating in Day of Silence. Try to refrain from any other posting throughout the day on April 10th to keep in line with the silent protest.

Create a short video on your story or in your feed explaining why you’re participating in Day of Silence. Try to refrain from any other posting throughout the day on April 10th to keep in line with the silent protest.

If you decide to post, but are unsure of what to say, you can use this sample caption: “Did you know 2 in 3 students reported feeling unsafe due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression? I’m participating in Glisten’s Day of Silence to show today’s youth that we support them and will advocate for a safe learning environment. LGBTQ+ students with more supportive educators, anti-bullying policies that explicitly mention sexual orientation and gender identity, LGBTQ+ inclusive learning, and GSA presence report a higher sense of belonging, higher GPAs, and higher attendance. Support our students and participate in @glistencommunity ’s #DayOfSilence. Our voices matter.”

If you decide to post, but are unsure of what to say, you can use this sample caption: “Did you know 2 in 3 students reported feeling unsafe due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression? I’m participating in Glisten’s Day of Silence to show today’s youth that we support them and will advocate for a safe learning environment. LGBTQ+ students with more supportive educators, anti-bullying policies that explicitly mention sexual orientation and gender identity, LGBTQ+ inclusive learning, and GSA presence report a higher sense of belonging, higher GPAs, and higher attendance. Support our students and participate in @glistencommunity ’s #DayOfSilence. Our voices matter.”

Get Day of Silence Merch

Get Day of Silence Merch

This year, we have created buttons, stickers, and sticky note pads with information about Day of Silence for you to hand out during the day. A visual cue like a button or sticker can invite others to ask why you're staying silent, which can prompt you to hand out a sticky note explaining why and how they can also get involved!

This year, we have created buttons, stickers, and sticky note pads with information about Day of Silence for you to hand out during the day. A visual cue like a button or sticker can invite others to ask why you're staying silent, which can prompt you to hand out a sticky note explaining why and how they can also get involved!

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