Day of...what?
For the first time, I participated in the Day of Silence. I’m not sure quite why I hadn’t done it before, but this year I decided it was something I wanted to do. But...why?
I fully support gays, bis, and transsexuals and believe they should have all the same rights at heterosexuals, but what does the Day of Silence actually accomplish?
It raises awareness about gays. ..Say what? Everyone knows they exist.
It raises awareness about the discrimination they face. ...And? I’m not denying it exists, I don’t think anyone can, but what does the silence actually change?
And why silence? Why not neon pants? That gains just as much attention, if not more. When someone asked me this today, I responded, “Because of oppression, they are forced silent. It’s symbolic.” The other person responded that it’s their fault for not speaking out. Originally I disagreed with this, but the more I got thinking, the more it made sense. It’s no question that society doesn’t fully accept them, but why sit there and take it? Why allow yourself to be silenced?
Last year Judy Shepard, mother of the late Matthew Shepard visited my school and talked to the student body. She said something along the lines of, “This is the time not to be afraid. This is the time to stand out.” If there was one thing from her presentation that etched itself in my mind, it was that. Because she’s right, don’t allow yourself to be pushed back into the crowd. Stand up for what you believe, say what you mean and say what you think without any reservations.
You’re either tolerant or intolerant. You either accept homosexuals or don’t. It’s really that simple. If someone truly dislikes LGBT, I don’t think people walking around in black clothes with rainbow ribbons in silence will change their opinion.
I suppose I could be missing the point, and if I am, please do share.
I fully support gays, bis, and transsexuals and believe they should have all the same rights at heterosexuals, but what does the Day of Silence actually accomplish?
It raises awareness about gays. ..Say what? Everyone knows they exist.
It raises awareness about the discrimination they face. ...And? I’m not denying it exists, I don’t think anyone can, but what does the silence actually change?
And why silence? Why not neon pants? That gains just as much attention, if not more. When someone asked me this today, I responded, “Because of oppression, they are forced silent. It’s symbolic.” The other person responded that it’s their fault for not speaking out. Originally I disagreed with this, but the more I got thinking, the more it made sense. It’s no question that society doesn’t fully accept them, but why sit there and take it? Why allow yourself to be silenced?
Last year Judy Shepard, mother of the late Matthew Shepard visited my school and talked to the student body. She said something along the lines of, “This is the time not to be afraid. This is the time to stand out.” If there was one thing from her presentation that etched itself in my mind, it was that. Because she’s right, don’t allow yourself to be pushed back into the crowd. Stand up for what you believe, say what you mean and say what you think without any reservations.
You’re either tolerant or intolerant. You either accept homosexuals or don’t. It’s really that simple. If someone truly dislikes LGBT, I don’t think people walking around in black clothes with rainbow ribbons in silence will change their opinion.
I suppose I could be missing the point, and if I am, please do share.
Well I didnt know til today I believe silence sometimes screams louder than any words silence for all the voices that aint heard out. I think its a great thing Im definatly doing it next year
Dumbfuck, April 20th, 2007 at 05:14:06pm
I participated as well. In fact 1/3rd of the school did while the other 2/3rds made fun of those who did (besides the point). the most intrersting thing for me was the silent lunch. Anyone who participated ate a silent lunch in a different room. That part of the day touched me most. It just shows how left out homosexuals are. We ate at these tables where you could see everyone. it was like on long akward silence. then we could hear the rest of the school laughing and joking about stupid stuff in the lunchroom, and it just made me think.
Minority_Under_Dog, April 20th, 2007 at 12:55:57pm
I know, I'm not naive, I realize what people risk losing while coming out, and I understand why some people don't. I suppose it's just a judgement call.
Rainbows in the Dark, April 18th, 2007 at 09:22:56pm
Well, it's supposed to be so you experience what they experience.
Not being able to talk about it.
It's easy to say "Tell everyone you're gay!" but is not easily done.
The potential loss of friends is a very, very frightening factor in not coming out, trust me.
Miley Cyrus, April 18th, 2007 at 09:17:24pm