The Huron Rainbow Rats are set to organize the GLSEN’s Day of Silence at Huron High School this Friday, April 12. Originating in the mid-1990s, the Day of Silence has grown into a nationally recognized student-led demonstration. LBGTQ+ students and allies take a voluntary day-long vow of silence to express solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

The Huron Rainbow Rats club members Zander Tomalia, Jack Ahrens and Davina Seth held a booth on April 9 and 10 to encourage sign-up for the Day of Silence. 

Sophomore Zander Tomalia said the Day of Silence fosters a safe space for queer youth. 

“It’s meant to spread awareness about the diversity of people, and make queer kids feel more safe,” Tomalia said.

Tomalia said students should inform their teachers early about their intention to partake in the Day of Silence.

”You just tell your teachers that you’re not speaking on the Day of Silence,” Tomalia said. “It’s fine if you have a project, where you have to speak. But you try to speak as little as possible to show support.”

Freshman Jack Ahrens said the significance of the Day of Silence goes beyond showing support for the LGBTQ+ community. According to the Trevor Project, “Nearly 1 in 3 LGBTQ young people said their mental health was poor most of the time or always due to anti-LGBTQ policies and legislation.”

”I think it isn’t just about raising awareness on a school level but used to bring awareness to depression and other issues on a societal level,” Ahrens said.

Junior Davina Seth said the Rainbow Rats club offers a close-knit environment open to all LGBTQ+ students and allies. The club meets every Monday in room 3204 during the 8th period. 

”It’s a lot smaller than the other clubs,” Seth said. “I met my best friends here. We’re pretty much all friends. It makes people very comfortable about talking about specific issues.”

To participate in the Day of Silence, staff and students can register here.