Ideas for How You Can Participate in This Year's Virtual Day of Silence!

The 25th Annual Day of Silence is next Friday, April 24 – the largest student-led protest for LGBTQ visibility in the country! But this year, as schools are closed and Day of Silence is made a 100% virtual event, you’re probably wondering how you can participate and show that you support LGBTQ students?

We’ve got you covered: Here's a full guide on how you can participate in Day of Silence from the comfort of your computer or mobile device. Check out the full guide (as a PDF) by clicking this button.

Read the Day of Silence Planning Guide

If you are an educator, use our Educator Guide for suggested activities for your participation on Day of Silence. 

Here's a sample calendar, too. Keep scrolling for a sample calendar that you and your friends can use throughout the day!

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Anytime Before April 24!

Be sure that you're Registered so you're getting the latest updates on Day of Silence resources! 

Before April 24

Change your profile(s)/photo frame to a Day of Silence graphic from now until your 3:00PM your time on April 24th. Day of Silence is a silent protest of the erasure and bullying of LGBTQ+ people on school campuses around the country. By changing your profile, you are raising awareness of LGBTQ erasure and harassment! Imagine if LGBTQ people in schools were invisible, it is a powerful statement that can get folks asking questions and join in solidarity to protect, promote, and empower LGBTQ students in schools. Let’s paint a message across our online platforms and show them our Silence is Loud!

8:00am (or earlier), April 24

Post a video of you being silent. You can write your own post about Day of Silence and Why or Who you are being silent for?! You can also use this template: 

Today is the 25th anniversary of Day of Silence--a national student led movement highlighting the silencing and erasure of LGBTQ people. 4 in 5 LGBTQ students don’t see positive LGBTQ representation in their curriculum, 8 in 10 experience anti-LGBTQ verbal harassment, and over a third miss school for feeling unsafe or uncomfortable. I am silent for ______. Until 3:00PM #DayofSilence (add image description if possible)

10:00am, April 24

Post a video or photo and challenge your friends, family, and community to participate. You can write your own challenge post or use this template: 

Today is the 25th anniversary of Day of Silence--a national student led movement highlighting the silencing and erasure of LGBTQ people. 4 in 5 LGBTQ students don’t see positive LGBTQ representation in their curriculum, 8 in 10 experience anti-LGBTQ verbal harassment, and over a third miss school for feeling unsafe or uncomfortable. I am silent for ______. I challenge: to join me in The Day of Silence until 3:00PM #DayofSilence (add image description if possible)

12:00pm, April 24

On social media, share this "speaking card" graphic explaining what the Day of Silence is and why you're participating. 

2:00pm, April 24

Share an activity you did with your GSA members! Use this Virtual Day of Silence planning guide to inspire ideas. 

2:59pm, April 24

Tell us how you're breaking the silence at school with this selfie sign in full color or this printer-friendly version. Don't forget to send a selfie with your selfie signs to @GLSEN on Twitter or Instagram! 

3:00pm, April 24 – BREAK THE SILENCE!

Join GLSEN supporters throughout the country and your own GSA members at our big Breaking the Silence rally at 3:00pm ET! Stay tuned for more updates.

4:00pm, April 24 

Join your own GSA for a virtual event to Break the Silence, either with an online discussion group, rally, or activity. Use this Virtual Breaking the Silence guide for inspiration. 

For more tips and stories, read the Day of Silence zine created by GLSEN's 2018-19 National Student Council.