Countering Silence With Antigay Messages

Conservative Christian group Focus on the Family is once again planning to counter the LGBT-supportive Day of Silence with the Day of Dialogue, which supposedly "encourages open dialogue" about "controversial sexual topics."

The Day of Silence, sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, will be observed April 20. It has been held in high schools, colleges, and other institutions since the 1990s, with students using silence as a means to call attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment.

For the past few years, antigay forces have responded with the Day of Dialogue. This year it will be observed April 19. While the website for the event mentions "open dialogue," it also urges students to share the message that God intends marriage as strictly a male-female union and that gay people can and should change their sexual orientation.

Read more about the Day of Silence here and the Day of Dialogue here.