When is Day of Silence (US) 2025 and what does it mean?

by Heckin’ Unicorn | Updated on January 13, 2025

When is Day of Silence (US) 2025 and what does it mean?

The Day of Silence is an annual event, typically in April, serving as a protest day for the LGBTQ+ community. Participants worldwide observe silence to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ struggles and the silencing of LGBTQ+ individuals in educational settings.

The Day of Silence was first started in 1996 by a group of students at the University of Virginia. Since then, it has become a yearly event and is now observed in all 50 states in the US, as well as in countries around the world.

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During the day, people take a vow of silence to show solidarity with LGBTQ+ people who have faced discrimination and violence. Supporters of the day also raise awareness of issues faced by LGBTQ+ people, such as bullying and violence.

This day is significant for the LGBTQ+ community as it highlights the importance of their voice. Through observing a day of silence, individuals convey the message that the challenges experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals should not be overlooked or disregarded.

When is the Day of Silence 2025?

In 2025, the Day of Silence falls on Friday, April 11.

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How did Day of Silence first start off?

The Day of Silence started off in 1996 with a group of 150 students in a single school in the United States — the University of Virginia. The students were protesting the bullying, harassment, and silencing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students.

The Day of Silence was led by students in the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) to raise awareness and encourage students to combat discrimination and harassment in schools. Currently, over 8,000 schools globally observe this event.

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During the Day of Silence, students take a vow of silence to demonstrate their commitment to creating an inclusive and safe school environment. The Day of Silence is an important day to stand in solidarity with students who have experienced or are experiencing bullying and harassment based on their gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

What is the significance of Day of Silence?

The Day of Silence is a day of action in which students across the country take a vow of silence to bring attention to the silencing and erasure of LGBTQ+ people at school.

The Day of Silence is an important moment for LGBTQ+ students to show solidarity with one another and to stand up for their rights. It is also a way for allies to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. Through silence, students can make a powerful statement about the need for acceptance and understanding for all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

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The Day of Silence serves as a reminder to the adults in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth that they need to be supportive of these young people and their needs. It also helps to bring attention to the issues of bullying and harassment that LGBTQ+ youth often face in schools. This day is an opportunity for schools to take action and create a safe and supportive environment for all students.

Other relevant LGBTQ+ awareness days

In addition to Day of Silence, there are many other LGBTQ+ awareness periods throughout the year. These days help to raise awareness of the LGBTQ+ community and fight discrimination.

Check out these other relevant LGBTQ+ awareness days:

All 35+ LGBTQ+ Awareness Days in 2025

If you’ve enjoyed this article, you might want to check out our comprehensive list of all 35+ LGBTQ+ Awareness Days in 2025! The article is sorted chronologically by month, with a short write-up that describes the significance of each LGBTQ+ Awareness Day.

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