Since 1996, Day of Silence has been observed annually on the second Friday of April.

The purpose of this observance is to bring awareness to the bullying of lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender youth. Observing a day of silence on April 8 represents the silencing of the LGBTQ+ community.

The idea for this day originated in 1996 by student Maria Pulzetti of the University of Virginia. Maria wanted to find a way to raise awareness by doing something that was visible and available for all students to participate in, to raise the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community.

By 1997 hundreds of schools and universities around the country were participating in the initiative.

Today, Day of Silence is observed in all fifty states, and also internationally.