Members of the Gay Straight Alliance will be wearing gags and carrying bells without clappers, as well as carrying empty bags today as part of the National Day of Silence.National Day of Silence represents the silence faced by thousands of individuals throughout history who have been discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, said Jessica Fleming, president of the GSA.

“This is a way of speaking out against the hate crimes that occur every day,” Fleming said.

Annette Smith, University Ministries intern, said there will be a service of worship and remembrance at noon in the Robert Carr Chapel.

“There will be readings from different scriptures and different speakers during the worship,” Fleming said.

There will be a “Breaking the Silence” concert and Rainbow Carnival where students will remove their gags at 5 p.m. at Frog Fountain.

Performances at the concert will include Pablo and the Hemphill Seven Band and Senseless Acts of Comedy, Smith said.

There will be food, games and candy at the carnival, Fleming said, as well as many local gay, straight, bisexual and transgender groups, such as Integrity, a large gay-lesbian group in Fort Worth.

There is an information table set up in the Student Center for more information on GSA and local events.