National Day of Silence

By Isaiah Valcin, Senior

“GLSEN’s Day of Silence, this year on Friday, April 27, is a student-led national event where folks take a vow of silence to highlight the silencing and erasure of LGBTQ people at school.”
~GLSEN Homepage

On Friday, April 27th iPrep Academy participated in the National Day of Silence (DOS). Organized by the Gay Straight Alliance, the Day of Silence is a predominantly student-led national event where participators take a vow of silence. Upon taking a vow, the students at iPrep wear black and remain silent all day, placing a multi colored piece of tape on their mouths to highlight the silencing and erasure of the LGBTQ community within schools. To break the silence, students will simultaneously rip off the tape at end of the day.

In my opinion, the DOS is a day where LGBTQ+ members and allies take a vow against discrimination and raise awareness about the severity bullying. For me, participation in the DOS is important because as a person who has been bullied and or discriminated against because of my sexual orientation, I feel like raising awareness for these social issues is the first step to equality.

Bianca V., Sophia S., and Jackie Altenor have previously participated in DOS at iPrep.  Here are their answers to two of my questions: What does Day of Silence mean to you? Why do you participate in DOS?
 
Bianca Vucetich, Junior

“The Day of SIlence to me means to promote unity despite sexuality, and to show that everyone has support and equality.”

“I participate in the Day of Silence to show support because I believe change starts with us.”

Sophia Stock, Senior

“I believe in the Day of Silence  because I have friends and close family that have been discriminated against, and harassed because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. “

“I participate in DOS because I believe that harassment and bullying of the LGBTQ+ community is wrong, and people should be aware of the effects.”

Jackie Altenor, Sophomore

“Day of Silence means just what it is. It is a day to stay silent in respect to members of the LGBTQ+ community. It means that we show that we are standing together with them, despite the adversity thrown in their faces.”

“I participate in DOS to show that although I don’t face the same struggles that they do, I still fully support them. Whatever sex you’re attracted to and whatever gender you identify as, don’t let anyone tell you you’re wrong beaus of it. Don’t let them silence your voice. You are beautiful and you’re worth it, speak up for yourself. Your voice will be heard.”


Works Cited: 
“Day of Silence.” GLSEN Homepage. GLSEN 2018. https://www.glsen.org/day-silence