Youth Organizer Asher: Why you should organize for Day of Silence

The following blog post was written by Asher (any pronouns), who is a young leader in their third year as an Outright Youth Organizer. Asher is calling on LGBTQ+ youth across the state to organize for Day of Silence in every Vermont school on Friday, April 10, 2026!

LGBTQ+ youth are the experts in their own lives, with unique insights and experience to lead change wherever they are. We are proud to partner with amazing youth who are transforming their communities for the better. Read on to see how you can support this statewide campaign for LGBTQ+ youth hope, equity, and power!

Day of Silence is a Day for Noise

Day of Silence is a national, silent protest against discrimination, harassment, bullying, and mistreatment of LGBTQ+ community members. I want to encourage Vermont to practice silence on Friday, April 10th this year to protest for the right of respect for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Since 1996, Glisten has been leading the national list of students/people participating in this event, and you can visit their website to learn more. Participants typically “break the silence” at the end of the day, and that is the time to get together with people protesting alongside you, and celebrate. You have made it through the day. Maybe the stares were weird. Maybe your teachers didn’t get it. Maybe your friends didn’t get it. But you made it. You participated in a fight worth fighting against bullying, harassment, discrimination and disrespect.

National Day of Silence is a time to consider the voices you aren’t hearing in your schools, communities, workplaces, and other environments. What are the louder voices saying? Who is talking? After looking around, the hope is that we take the time to look around a table of people. These are the people making the decisions, leading the charge, planning, loudly taking us space at the table (that they deserve!). Who still isn’t at that table of people? Do we have representation of the people we are serving?

The answer is probably no…not yet. Yet is a key word when looking at negative scenarios in our world. Yet is the flower under the dirt we can’t see yet but maybe is there. Yet is the learning curve that is learning algebra in school. Yet is hope for a future where yes is the answer. Yet is our future. It doesn’t mean things can’t change or won’t change, it means they haven’t to this date.

Why do we do this day of silence? Because yet isn’t yes. Not everyone is included and respected at the table that is our future…yet. LGBTQ+ youth bring so much to the table, and so many talents, strengths, and skills. We need to have the ability to celebrate these amazing people! This is the time for them to bring their authentic selves to the table.

Here’s what you can do to get involved:
Youth:

• Register with Glisten to add your protest to the national map and access their tips, resources, and support!

• Fill out this form as a group or individual so we can celebrate you in Vermont and send more tips and resources for a successful Day of Silence!

Adults:

• Share this information with any young people you know who may be interested in organizing for Day of Silence.

• If there’s a Day of Silence protest in your school, ask how you can help - and let youth leaders know you’ve got their backs!