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Michael Pedigo’s outfit was louder than his voice yesterday.

The Tompkinsville freshman donned pink thong sandals, a pink and white shirt and a pink Playboy Bunny hat.

But Pedigo didn’t speak to anyone until late last night.

Pedigo and other students silently protested on the Hill Wednesday against the oppression some say society inflicts upon gays and lesbians.

Students who participated in the event, called “Day of Silence,” didn’t talk until a candlelight vigil at about 8 p.m. yesterday at the Guthrie Bell Tower.

The day was a part of the Outlet Alliance’s “Pride Week.”

Students who volunteered included gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and “straight ally” students.

Activities continue today with “Diversity Rocks” and conclude Friday with a trip to Nashville.

Participating students tried to increase awareness among their peers that being gay is acceptable by choosing to not speak for almost the entire day.

“It is our mission today to show the world what the silencing of the gay and lesbian community does to the individuals, the community and society in general,” said Hyden sophomore Skyler Jordan, who is the Alliance Outlet student director. He spoke to about 40 students who gathered at the bell tower last night.

“What you did today has made a difference … your silence said more than any word you could have imagined,” Jordan said.

Pedigo said yesterday was a day slightly different than others because he was willing to show a side of himself he generally keeps hidden.

“I pretty much knew what to expect,” Pedigo said last night after the speaker.

Hartford sophomore Chris Funk, the social coordinator for the Outlet Alliance, presented portions of the speech.

“Everybody hears people talk about it a lot, but when you’re silent … it opens up more of an opportunity to educate,” he said.