CNN’s Larry King Films PSA about Larry King, Day of Silence
Media Contact: Daryl Presgraves 646-388-6577 dpresgraves@glsen.org
Apr 23, 2008
GLSEN has released its second celebrity public service announcement for the National Day of Silence, this one featuring “Larry King Live” host Larry King showing his support for ending anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools.
King offered his voice after hearing about Lawrence “Larry” King, a 15-year-old student from Oxnard, Calif., who was shot and killed on Feb. 12 by a 14-year-old classmate because of his sexual orientation and gender expression.
Students from a record 6,500 middle and high schools have registered as participants in GLSEN’s 12th annual National Day of Silence on Friday to bring attention to anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender name-calling, bullying and harassment. The event is being held this year in King’s memory.
Hundreds of thousands of students are expected to participate, from middle school to college.
CNN’s King is not the only celebrity to show support for the Day of Silence. GLSEN released a Day of Silence PSA with former ‘N Sync singer Lance Bass last week.
Like many LGBT youth, King endured regular bullying and harassment because of his sexual orientation and gender expression before his murder. Four out of five LGBT youth experience harassment in school because of their sexual orientation every year, according to GLSEN’s 2005 National School Climate Survey.
About GLSEN
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established nationally in 1995, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. For more information on our educator resources, research, public policy agenda, student organizing programs or development initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.
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