Breaking the Silence Concert and Rally

Demonstration calls for an end to bullying of LGBT students

DALLAS – Hundreds of thousands of students from over 5,000 middle schools, high schools and colleges will ban together in silence on April 17 in the largest student-led action in the country calling for an end to the bullying, harassment and name-calling endured by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students.

Sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), participants in the National Day of Silence vow not to speak in an effort to bring attention to harassment – in effect, the silencing – experienced by LGBT students and their allies. Rather than speaking, participants hand out “speaking cards” explaining their reasons for remaining silent throughout the day.

In an effort to educate the community about school violence and the need for safe school policies that protect all youth, the Dallas chapter of GLSEN, in partnership with Southern Methodist University’s SPECTRUM, will be calling for community organizations to join with the Day of Silence student participants for the 2nd Annual DFW Breaking the Silence Rally.

The event, designed to show support for schools that are free from violence and harassment, will be held at 7:00 p.m. on April 17 on the campus of Southern Methodist University . During the rally, Day of Silence participants from throughout the DFW Metroplex will have an opportunity to share their experience, strength and hope with the larger community. This years event will also feature the music of Eric Himan, as seen and heard on MTV's LOGO and Sirus Radio's OUTQ Channel. Eric's music draws comparisons to male artists such as Maroon 5 and John Mayer but also female singer-songwriters, Ani DiFranco and Tracy Chapman.

“It is time that the entire community, gay and straight, stands up to make our schools safe for all students,” said Beau Heyen, co-chair of the Dallas chapter of GLSEN. “Just imagine what it would be like for a student to go to school and actually be able to concentrate on what the teacher is saying, rather than the harassing comments of their peers.”

Last year’s National Day of Silence was held in memory of Lawrence King, a 15-year-old California student who was shot and killed at school in February 2008 by a 14-year-old classmate because of King’s sexual orientation and gender expression. This year, the National Day of Silence will once again remember Lawrence’s untimely death.

The Day of Silence is an opportunity for students to take the initiative to teach one another about diversity, respect and safety for all students. Students gain leadership skills, provide a valuable service to the school community and empower themselves by realizing their ability to make a difference in their school.

For more information regarding the National Day of Silence visit dayofsilence.org.