University students proved that actions speak louder than words Thursday by participating in the annual event “Day of Silence.”
The all-day event, sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is a national youth-driven project designed to raise awareness about harassment and bullying toward LGBTQ — lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning — students in schools.
The Day of Silence asks students of all ages to take vows of silence in support of the initiative.
University organizations like Spectrum, Social Justice Committee and ResLife Pride, which aim to accommodate LGBTQ students at the University, participated in the event Thursday by going silent publicly in Free Speech Plaza. Members of each group passed out information about the event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Spectrum President Kat Barry, English and women’s and gender studies senior, said the University has participated in the event for several years.
“It’s really difficult to oversee an event with no words,” Barry joked.
She said though it’s difficult to remain silent all day, the experience is worth it.
“The experience shows you how valuable your voice really is,” Barry said Wednesday. “It makes you realize you are obligated to use that voice every other day of the year.”
Barry said the groups encourage students to participate because bullying is not limited to the LGBTQ community. She said it is an issue that “plagues everyone.”
Spencer Roby, ResLife Pride chairman and mathematics freshman, said the University’s involvement in this issue is what attracted him to LSU. He said he received a flier for Day of Silence last year during Spring Invitational.
“I saw that there was a group for people like me,” he said.
Roby participated in the event for the first time this year. He also organized the “Express Yourself Showcase” on Wednesday to promote involvement in the event. The showcase, which was sponsored by ResLife Pride, gave students the opportunity to express themselves.
About 40 patrons attended the event in the lobby of Herget Hall and contributed poetry, songs, dance performances and discussion.
ResLife Pride Member Mel Acosta Lazo attended the showcase and said it was a great way for everyone to get their “ya-yas” out before the big day.
Lazo, a mathematics senior, said the Day of Silence is a time to remember those who have been silenced for being different.
“I was silent for a long time,” Lazo said. “I’m still silent with my family.”
Lazo said students should never be afraid to be true to themselves. He said Day of Silence is a way to reach out to those students.
“Sometimes silence is the best way to get the word out,” he said.
 
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Contact Sydni Dunn at [email protected]