"Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights. People who are silent today believe that laws and attitudes should be inclusive of people of all sexual orientations. The Day of Silence is to draw attention to those who have been silenced by hatred, oppression, and prejudice. Think about the voices you are not hearing. What can you do to end the silence?" - The Day of Silence Project

On April 4, the Day of Silence will come to UB for the first time. Organized by the University at Buffalo's Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Aliance (LGBA), the purpose of the event is to protest the silencing of members of the lesbian, gay, and transgender community, harnessing the power of silence and turning it around to fight oppression. Participants will be wearing t-shirts and carrying cards which explain the method and purpose of their participation. Working with the Empire State Pride Agenda, Buffalo Pride and Buffalo Belles to organize speakers and events throughout the day, LGBA held a teach-in on Thursday, March 22 to inform interested parties about the event.

The Day of Silence Project became a national event in 1997 which focuses on colleges and high schools leading the protest. Schools participate by making their silence visible, i.e. a similar mode of dress, gatherings throughout the day, etc. The day of silence lasts nine hours and ends at 5 PM. It is then followed by a speech or forum about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) issues. The theme of this year's Day of Silence is "Unity Through Diversity." The signifigance of the theme is that people of all backgrounds can be united to fight oppression in all of its forms.

LGBA welcomes all interested parties to participate in the Day of Silence. For further information, please e-mail Amy at fruggan@aol.com. The LGBA office is located in Suite 362 of the Student Union.