A silent demonstration modeled after the national Day of Silence is happening Friday from 12 to 4 p.m. along the Spine. Later, at 7 p.m. in Old University Union room 111, Break the Silence will follow the demonstration to formally conclude the event. The event is being hosted by The Equality Project, SHADES, Rainbow Pride Union and Keshet.

The national Day of Silence is on April 11, during Binghamton University’s spring break. The Day of Silence raises awareness about anti-LGBTQ harassment and bullying in schools for students in middle school, high school and college. Those who participate vow to remain silent throughout the day.

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) said that they hope the national Day of Silence will demonstrate the silence that LGBTQ students feel stifled by on a daily basis when coming to school.

According to Olivia Santoro, vice president of The Equality Project and a senior double-majoring in sociology and geography, the goals of the silent protest are to raise awareness about the discrimination faced by the LGBTQ community and to acknowledge and celebrate everyone’s differences.

“Issues such as bullying, suicide, homelessness, poverty, work place and housing discrimination, police abuse and incarceration, and inadequate access to healthcare are important issues that effect the LGBTQ community,” Santoro wrote in an email. “We hope to bring this to the attention of the audience.”

Break the Silence will feature music, poetry, monologues and other methods of expression to celebrate the LGBTQ community. Rhythm Method, the Slam Poetry Club, Explorchestra, Collection Romantic Autumn, Liberty Belle and the Union Boys and Strange Appeal will perform.

“We want this event to be a way for everyone to get together, have fun and celebrate who we are,” Santoro wrote.