Friend,

Today is the Day of Silence, an annual day of action to raise
awareness of the bullying and harassment that LGBTQ students face at
school. Each year since 1996, students across the country have taken a
daylong vow of silence in protest of school environments that can be
hostile and sometimes deadly for students who identify as part of the
LGBTQ community.

Although the Day of Silence has been observed for more than 20 years,
the solemn reminder of the routine cruelty that prevents some LGBTQ
students from thriving in school is as necessary as ever. This year,
more than 100 pieces of anti-LGBTQ legislation were introduced in 33
states, including bills barring gender-affirming care for trans and
nonbinary youth and prohibiting transgender student athletes from
playing sports on teams that match their gender identity. This is
despite the fact that 67% of Americans oppose such harmful and
discriminatory bills.

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Legislators' targeting of LGBTQ students creates an unwelcoming
school climate and erodes student success and well-being. But we can
fight back against the fear, ignorance and hatred motivating these
bills by standing together in silent solidarity.

When today's vow of silence ends, we hope you'll raise
your voice in support of LGBTQ kids.

We know that LGBTQ-inclusive schools benefit all students. But as
lawmakers across the country restrict the rights of trans people,
it's even more critical that we work together to insist on
school spaces where all young people can thrive.

The SPLC's Learning for Justice project has resources to help
educators and community members advocate for LGBTQ youth. The
guide 
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Best Practices for Serving LGBTQ Students

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helps school leaders create a more inclusive learning environment.
You can use this guide to review policies at your local school and
pass it along to educators so they can break the silence around
policies that harm LGBTQ students. When you do, you can
also share these resources to help create safer, more inclusive
schools for trans youth and educators.

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Thank you,

The Southern Poverty Law Center

 

 


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