By Matt Simonette

Staff writer

Community activists and organizations join together in support of GLBT youth at the James R. Thompson Center downtown April 25 for the 2008 Night of Noise rally.

The Night of Noise brings to a close the Chicago-area observance of the national Day of Silence, which each year calls attention to the bullying and violence that GLBT students often are subjected to in schools. During the Day of Silence, supportive students remain silent out of solidarity for their GLBT peers.

David Fischer, of the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, said the Day of Silence originated in college and university communities, but has been “hugely embraced by high school students.” He said about 60 high schools in Illinois have ordered informational materials for the occasion.

Students at the Night of Noise mark the end of the Day of Silence by speaking out loudly for the rights of GLBT students. The event is entirely organized by youths and features performances and presentations by a number of local gay organizations.

Fischer said that, given the preponderance of anti-gay bullying in schools—it is the second-most prevalent reason students are targeted for violence—the Night of Noise is an opportunity for supportive adults to demonstrate their concern about problems facing GLBT youth.

“It’s wonderful that young people see adults who really support LGBT youth and who (those youths) are,” he said. “In the end, this is about all students.”

The Night of Noise begins at the Thompson Center Plaza at Randolph and Clark streets April 25 at 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.illinoissafeschools.org.