Lance Bass Joins GLSEN In 'National Day Of Silence'

Lance Bass is supporting Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network's (GLSEN) April 25^th National Day Of Silence in a new public service announcement.

Bass's filmed message, which is set for release Friday April 18^th, supports GLSEN's efforts to end bullying, discrimination, and harassment of GLBT youth in schools across the country.

“I think it's time for me to stand up...and help educate, because I'm lucky enough to have been given a voice to be able to talk and grab the attention of people,” Bass told the Associated Press.

On April 25^th thousands of students from across the country at over 50,000 schools will participate in the 12^th annual National Day Of Silence. The effort encourages schools to adopt policies that foster a safe environment for GLBT youth while at school.

This year the event honors Lawrence King, a 15-year-old boy from Oxnard, Calif., who was shot twice in the head after telling another boy he liked him. King later died from his wounds. 14-year-old Brandon McInerney has been charged with the crime.

The singer said he was touched by King's death, prompting him to make the spot. “I heard about Lawrence on the news, and it was just incredible to me that kids that age would have such an issue...with the subject of being gay.”

Lance Bass revealed his own homosexuality in a 2006 interview with People magazine.

A recent Harris Interactive nationwide study found 90 percent of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students report being harassed or assaulted at school.

Students participating in the event will carry cards that read: “Silent for Lawrence King: Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the Day Of Silence, a national youth movement bringing attention to the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies. My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment. This year's DOS is held in memory of Lawrence King, a 15-year-old student who was killed in school because of his sexual orientation and gender expression. I believe that ending the silence is the first step toward building awareness and making a commitment to address these injustices. Think about the voices you are not hearing today.”