“You’re just confused.”
“You don’t know what’s right for you.”
“You’re so emotional.”
“That’s weird.”
“Just suck it up.”
“Be quiet.”
These phrases are just a few of the hurtful and insulting things that people of the LGBTQIA+ community hear every single day. The Day of Silence is a nationally recognized demonstration where LGBTQIA+ students and their allies take a vow of silence to protest peacefully against the effects of harassment on the community.
This day began in the mid-1990s with two college students at the University of Virginia. They decided they had enough of the homophobia in their community and stayed silent for an entire day. After that, they broke the silence with an event in which thousands of students participated today.
According to CNN, at least 510 anti-LGBTQIA+ laws were introduced in states in 2023. Although some do not agree with these bills, the severity of them is increasing. Sadly, only about one dozen of those laws are being challenged in court.
One bill that has been passed in Florida is called HB 1557. It is better known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill and was passed in 2022. This bill prohibits talking in classrooms about sexual orientation or gender identity. In 2023, lawmakers created further restrictions, including prohibiting pronouns consistent with a person’s gender identity and expanding the book-banning procedure.
Many people at Fallon plan on participating in this year’s Day of Silence, which falls on Friday, April 12th, 2024. After being interviewed about the significance of the Day of Silence, Fallon’s Rainbow Student Union advisor, Ms. Kunde, said, “The purpose of the Day of Silence is to show that there is support for students who are being targeted by homophobic and queerphobic bullying. So, solidarity and showing support are important for the message of We Are One.”
You do not need to be part of the LGBTQIA+ community to participate in the Day of Silence. NHTSA, an organization that leads this day, also encourages community allies to participate.
In summary, the hurtful phrases directed at LGBTQIA+ individuals reflect a deeper problem of discrimination and inequality on our campus. Despite this, events like the Day of Silence serve as a way to show unity and support, emphasizing our message of “We Are One.” Whether you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, participating in such initiatives is a powerful way to stand against hate and contribute to a more inclusive school and society.
