By Allison Gillette

Silence... that’s all you may get from some individuals this Friday, April 21st, but why you will receive it may stun you into silence. Every year tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals globally face discrimination and harassment that result in a violent encounters, and while some can go on to share their stories to protect others, all you will get from a startling number is silence... 

This silence is not the result of trauma, or a desire to distance from others, rather it is the result of a sad truth many live with, that Hate will take from us without discretion at any moment. It is this truth that inspired University of Virginia students Maria Pulzetti and Jessie Gilliam to create a demonstration in 1996 that has become an annual practice among the LGBTQ+ community and its supporters, Day of Silence. Simple yet deafening in its practice. It all relies on one simple act, staying silent like the fallen. Unable to tell their stories after being taken from us, many members of the community take it upon themselves to make their brothers and sisters heard again by refusing to use their voices for the day, often times displaying photos and quotes from the fallen. 

While many may see this as a day only those in the LGBTQ+ community can or should take part in, you may find showing your support by remaining silent this April 21st.  It will speak volumes to those around you. When others decide to spread ill intent and hatred with their words, your silence will show the love and support you have for your fellow humans, regardless of who you personally love.