The Day of Silence + Class Board Speeches = ?!?!

I have always been an avid supporter of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual) rights. I am a believer in homosexual marriage and I believe love is a powerful emotion that no one has the right to control. Whether that love is between a man and a woman or two men, love is the same emotion in everyone. Although I unfortunately have had conflicts with being in GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) at our school, I have always participated in the annual Day of Silence. The Day of Silence, in April of every year, is a movement against anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying, and harassment in schools! Supporters of GSA everywhere do not speak for the entire day, demonstrating their acceptance of LGBT equality with straight men and women everywhere.

I read through the day of silence website prior to April 14th, and immediately I knew it was a cause I was willing to support. I have a few gay friends, and it hasn't changed anything I think about them, or the way I act around them. My mom has a few homosexual colleagues that I have known over the years and many of them are like family to me. So when I hear stories of harassment against homosexuals, or anyoen who LGBT for that matter, I am immediately dumbfounded and embarassed, frustrated and confused!

So in my support, I bought a Day of Silence t-shirt and awaited the day. I read up on some LGBT harassment and it drove me even more to participate. According to one article, "Students who know of a school policy specifically prohibiting harassment based on sexual orientation are 19% less likely to be harassed based on sexual orientation and 25% more likely to feel safe at school." So schools are taking action.

This is why I became so angry: as a member of student government, I was required to give a campaign speech last Friday for the entire class. The class board speeches were scheduled on the Day of Silence. After appealing to the head of Student Activities, I was still upset to find that no one was willing to change the date of the board speeches. I was upset that I was not going to be able to be silent to support my feelings about LGBT rights and equality.

And although you may think to yourself, why, if my opinions about gay rights are so strong, did I still make my speech? Because if I become a member of student government, I will be put in a leadership position. With this power, I can then take the responsibility to create a more welcoming and equal environment in our school.

So yes, my Day of Silence was anything but silent. However, my opinions stay where they are. The Day of Silence was and still is an amazing cause, and I hope that in the future I can help make our student body aware. And maybe, just maybe, even the majority of GBN can be silent one day of the year.

The video below is a Public Service Announcement for the Day of Silence. Hopefully if I have not made my opinions clear or convincing, this video will persuade you that the Day of Silence is a good cause!