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The annual Day of Silence held today to protest against homophobia
Day of Silence
American anti-homophobia protest spreads to UK
"We need to teach young people that there's a curriculum called tolerance education that should be in every school"
Students from over 6,000 Primary Schools, High Schools and Universities across the US, are currently taking part in the 12th annual Day of Silence.
An estimated 500,000 students are abstaining from speaking between 9am to 5pm in order to bring attention the homophobia that is faced by students and teachers on a daily basis.
The day is co-ordinated by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network). Their website released a statement preceding today’s demonstration explaining, “The Day of Silence is about safer schools, tolerance and positive change.”
GLSEN used the ex N’Sync member and openly gay Lance Bass to promote The Day of Silence in a video posted on their website. He asks what whether we will stand up against the LGBT bullying that so many in the LGBT community face and “What we will do to end the silence.”
The day takes on a specific significance this year as it is being held in memory of Lawrence King, the 15 year-old-boy murdered in his school in a homophobic attack on the 12th of February this year. The shocking event generated a large amount of press, and many famous figures spoke out for the need for change, including Hillary Clinton and Ellen DeGeneres.
The incident led to the California Diversity Bill being introduced on behalf of King. The bill means that in the State of California compulsory classes on diversity and tolerance will be taught in schools. California Assemblyman Mike Eng, who introduced the bill, said,
"We need to teach young people that there's a curriculum called tolerance education that should be in every school. We should teach young people that diversity is not something to be assaulted, but diversity is something that needs to be embraced”
This year the Day of Silence has spread across the Atlantic and students at the University of Sussex in Brighton will also be taking part. A member of the LGBT society in the university told the reasons behind Sussex University joining in the demonstration,
"The Day of Silence has always been an American thing but we have a few US students who suggested that we took part and we thought it was a great idea. Being in the closet can ruin your life so today is all about expressing yourself.”
