<p>&nbsp; &nbsp;We are two friends studying at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland. We are acknowledging the <a href="http://www.dayofsilence.org">Day of Silence</a> - an event widely recognised in North America, but not as commonly known in the UK.</p> <p>&nbsp; &nbsp;We are spending our waking hours on the 20th of April 2012 in complete silence in order to draw attention to the suffering of LGBT+ youth unable to speak out. We are planning on conducting ourselves as if this were an ordinary day, but without uttering a sound - a real challenge for ourselves as we're well known for our volume-related issues! Through this we hope to make people think about the voices they don't hear; those who truly do go about their daily lives without speaking out.</p> <p>&nbsp; &nbsp;The Day of Silence aims to raise awareness of the struggle faced by youth that don't necessarily conform to heteronormative attitudes, and to facilitate safer learning environments. Evidence shows that lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender students across all academic settings are more likely experience bullying of a verbal, physical or even sexual nature.&nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/">LGBT Youth Scotland</a> is a charity that empowers, supports and saves the lives of many young people across the country. We feel that their work is an invaluable resource in promoting awareness and building safer academic environments. The money they receive from our Day of Silence may be put toward a variety of actions such as funding a counselling service for young people struggling with their identities, or delivering an LGBT awareness session within a high school.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;We urge anyone to support us and give as much as they can, as this really is an amazing charity that changes minds and lives across Scotland.</p>