On Friday, April 22, members of the MBS community observed the National Day of Silence in which students across the country vow to take a form of silence to call attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBTQIA+ bullying and harassment.
Morristown Beard School's efforts were organized by Spectrum, a gay-straight alliance club that meets regularly to discuss LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and intersex) topics and organize school-wide events to raise awareness and celebrate the community.
During the day, some members of the community took a vow of silence while others wore stickers to show support without being silent.
Founded in 1996 at the University of Virginia, the Day of Silence has become the largest student-led action towards creating safer schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
Here are some Day of Silence resources:
Allyship:
· 10 Ways to be an Ally
· A Guide to Being an Ally
· LGBT 101: An Introduction to the Queer Community
Mental Health Resources:
· How LGBTQ Students can Cope with Anxiety and Stress During COVID
· If you are struggling and want to speak with a trained counselor, you can do so here or here.
· Phone: (866) 488-7386
· Text START to 678-678