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Today's Emoji-A-Day post marks a poignant intersection – Wear a Star Day, a day to remember and grieve children who have passed away, and the Day of Silence, highlighting the silencing of LGBTQ+ youth due to bullying and discrimination. These days remind us of the fragility of life and the importance of creating safe, welcoming and supportive spaces for all young people.💖
Symbols of Hope & Solidarity
The star on Wear a Star Day represents a child's life, shining brightly even in their absence. Silence and (No Silence) on the Day of Silence becomes a powerful tool to draw attention to the harmful experiences faced by many LGBTQ+ students. ⭐️🤐
The Impact of Loss & Discrimination
Both days highlight different but equally devastating issues. Losing a child is a profound grief. LGBTQ+ youth experiencing bullying and harassment suffer in ways that can have lasting consequences.💥
We Can Make a Difference
We honor lost children by being present for grieving families and by working to create a world where all children have a chance to thrive. We support LGBTQ+ youth by listening, amplifying their voices, and fighting for schools and communities where everyone feels safe and accepted. 🌈
Everyday Actions
Small acts matter. Be kind, practice empathy, advocate for those in need, and cherish the young lives around you. Small acts of love and support can create ripples of change. 🙏
✅ MOJI BITS & BYTES ✅
Poignant facts and origins of Wear a Star Day and Day of Silence, two days dedicated to honoring young lives and amplifying silenced voices. ⭐️🌈🤐
- Wear a Star Origins - While the exact founder of Wear a Star Day is unknown, the tradition began around 2010 as a way to remember and grieve for children who have passed away. ⭐️
- Star Symbolism - The star worn on this day represents a child's life, shining brightly even in their absence. ⭐️
- Grieving Together - Wear a Star Day offers a space for shared grief and support for families who have experienced the profound loss of a child. 🫂
- Day of Silence Roots - This student-led movement began in 1996 at the University of Virginia to highlight the silencing and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ youth. 🤐
- Disturbing Statistics - Over 60% of LGBTQ+ Americans report experiencing bullying or harassment based on their sexual orientation. 🏳️🌈
- The Impact of Fear - Sadly, many LGBTQ+ youth feel silenced or afraid to come out due to the potential consequences. 🤐
- Rise in Hostility - A staggering number of anti-LGBTQI+ bills (over 800) were introduced in the US last year, signaling a dangerous trend. 💔
- Breaking the Silence - Often, Day of Silence events culminate in a rally or speaking event, giving space to amplify previously silenced voices. 🌈🗣️
- Power of Youth Voices - Day of Silence is a student-led movement, demonstrating the strength and activism of young people in creating positive change. 💪
Question of the Day 🤔
How can we create a world where all children and young people feel safe, loved, and supported, regardless of who they are?💭✨
~ You were unsure which pain is worse – the shock of what happened or the ache for what never will ~
- Simon Van Booy, Author
~ We must never be afraid to stand up for what is right, no matter what others may say ~
- Pramila Jayapal, US Representative and Activist
~ There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children ~
- Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa & Activist
Moji Challenge Prompt
➡️ Emoji Power-Up: Honoring Lives & Supporting Youth 🌟
The Concept - Use emoji to express support for Wear a Star Day and Day of Silence, and to promote safe, inclusive spaces for young people.
- Remembering Lost Stars - Build a scene with a star, a child or angel emoji, and symbols of love and remembrance (hearts, candles, etc.). ⭐️👼🕯️
- Silent Solidarity - Show your support for Day of Silence with a "silence" emoji, a rainbow flag, and a group of diverse people emoji. 🤐🏳️🌈 👥
- Creating Safe Spaces - Combine emoji representing children, diverse people, hearts, and a shield or a house for protection. 🧒🏽♀️🏳️🌈❤️🛡️🏠
- Acts of Kindness - If you participate in Wear a Star Day or Day of Silence, share a photo and add emojis for extra meaning. #WearAStar #DayOfSilence
Examples
- ⭐️👼 + 💔 = Remembering a lost child
- ⭐️🕯️💔 = Grieving a lost child
- 🤐🏳️🌈✊️ = Standing in solidarity
- 🧒🧒🏾🧒🏻🧒🏿 + ❤️🏳️🌈 = Safe space for ALL children
- 🏫🌈 + ❤️ = Creating an inclusive school environment
- 👂❤️🧠 = Listening, loving, and supporting young people
Share & Inspire! Tag your friends and spread awareness for these important days! 📱Use #MojiChallenge #WearaStar #DayofSilence
- Moji Magic 🪄
Level Up Your Support & Advocacy
Creating a Better World for Young People
- Wear a Star - If it feels right, wear a star today in remembrance of a child who has passed away. ⭐️
- Break the Silence - Talk to someone you trust about the importance of Day of Silence and how to support LGBTQ+ youth. 🚫
- Stand Up & Speak Out - If you see bullying or discrimination, don't stay silent. Find a safe way to intervene or report it. 🤐🗣️
- Everyday Actions - Small acts of kindness and inclusion make a difference! Smile at someone who seems different from you, offer a helping hand, or simply listen without judgment. 🌈
- OPTIONAL LEVEL UP - Upload your favorite emoji artwork to the Moji Customizer to create a custom merch,
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Moji Mashup ⭐️ + 🌈 = ?
In this Moji Mashup we paired Star⭐️emoji with Rainbow 🌈 emoji to always remember how precious our children and youth are. Check out our Facebook or head on over to Pinterest to see our creation from the Google Emoji Kitchen today! 🌟
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Star on Emojipedia⭐️
Dig into the star description, tech origin details, and unique emoji design versions across different platforms at Emojipedia, the ultimate emoji encyclopedia! 📚📲
- Playlist - Our Bitter Sweet Playlist blends songs of grief and remembrance to honor the days. Let these tunes move and inspire you to create a more loving and inclusive world for ALL young people. ⭐️🎵
Wrapping Up
Today we honored lives lost and supported those fighting to ensure safe, inclusive spaces for all young people. But these aren't just single-day actions.🗣️
Keep the love going...
- Remember Lost Children - Take time to reflect on those who are gone too soon. Keep their memory alive by sharing stories, supporting grieving families, or donating to causes focusing on children's health and well-being. 👂
- Support LGBTQ+ Youth - Continue educating yourself about LGBTQ+ issues. Be an active ally, listen to their experiences, and speak up against discrimination.
- Everyday Kindness - Commit to small acts of compassion and inclusion. A smile, a helping hand, or simply being open-minded towards those different from us makes a difference. ❤️🙌
- Build Inclusive Communities - Look for ways to create more welcoming spaces in your school, workplace, or neighborhood, where everyone feels they belong. 🏳️🌈
- Advocate for Change - Get involved in local initiatives and organizations working towards a more just world for all young people. Your voice matters! ✊
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. Resources are available. #YouMatter
Change starts with each of us. Small actions have big impact and ripple effects. Let today be a starting point, not an ending.💫
See ya tomorrow for another Emoji-A-Day adventure where we keep learning, creating, and discovering together! Believe in yourself – we sure do! ✨
🤳 COMMENT & SHARE 📲
Got feedback? 💌 Tag us and use #MojiMosaic for a chance to be featured in future Emoji-A-Day posts! Spread the good vibes! ☮️🖖❤️😊
Emoji-A-Day™ uses emoji, awareness days, music, and art challenges as universal elements to weave mosaics that bring us together to celebrate shared experiences.
