LVHS Day Of Silence

Licking Valley GSA has organized a Day of Silence, which is to be held on Friday April 15th, 2016. The Day of Silence is a tool used to commemorate those of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community who have been silenced, or lost their lives, by being harassed or bullied for being themselves.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10-24. LGBTQ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers. Each episode of LGBT victimization, such as physical or verbal harassment, increases the likelihood of self-harm by 2.5 times on average.

This is a great opportunity for students to relate to their peers who have suffered bullying and harassment, forcing to hide their true selves.

“I have been bullied before, so I understand what people are going through, and I want to see the difference is being forced to be silent and having the choice,” Says Licking Valley Student and GSA member Chelsey Wells.

Students who are participating in the Day of Silence agree to not speak throughout the whole day of April 15th. There is a form to be signed by the teachers of the participating students, which states the teacher agrees the student will be exempted from speaking in class. These forms will be available in all lunch periods during the week of April 11th-15th. You can see Mr. Comeras or any member of the GSA for more information.