UA students and Tucson residents will gather in silence today to help bring attention to harassment and bullying issues faced by people of the LGBTQ community.

The Day of Silence is a three-day event that started Wednesday with informational sessions on the UA Mall and concludes with activities today.

A silent lunch will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the UA Mall. Students are encouraged to bring food to the grass area to sit and reflect on the issues of harassment and bullying.

The period will end with a protest at the corner of East Speedway Boulevard and North Campbell Avenue, followed by a “”Breaking the Silence”” event on the mall.

“”There are many ways that events like these help anyone, even if they aren’t directly involved,”” said Cathy Busha, the UA’s director of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning affairs. “”It is important to realize that bullying still goes on and it still happens to people, especially those of the LGBTQ community.””

Having started in 1996, the annual Day of Silence is meant to have people participate in a metaphor for sufferers of abuse.

“”I think that the participants themselves will, ironically enough, find their voice by being silent and realize that in this larger movement they are not alone,”” Busha said.

A candlelight vigil was held last night for Lawrence King, an openly gay 15-year-old who was beaten and killed in California in February.

“”I think that under no circumstances should ignorance and intolerance be so overwhelming that people feel violence becomes necessary,”” said Kenneth Kim, a sophomore majoring in molecular and cellular biology. “”It’s sad that people have to resort to this now. We, as the human race, should be better than that.””

Busha said she believes even students who are not directly affected by harassment and bullying can benefit from awareness events.

Students interested in participating can attend the Mall tomorrow for more information.