Day of Silence to honor Lawrence King
Published April 25, 2008
Throughout the day today, students can show their support for the LGBTQ community by remaining silent.
For the third year, MU students will participate in the Day of Silence, a nationally recognized event that brings awareness to the harassment and bullying of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals.
Allies in Action President Lance Pierce said the Day of Silence allows others to understand the struggles of LGBTQ individuals.
“The Day of Silence is a day in which people can put themselves in the shoes of minorities,” Pierce said. “It helps people understand how they can be supportive and create a safe space in which people can be themselves.”
Pierce said the silence of the day stands for the silence that LGBTQ individuals go through on a daily basis.
“Sexual orientation, unlike other minorities is not a visible characteristic, so the struggles of LGBTQ people can be easily silenced and made invisible,” Pierce said. “This silence and solitude cuts off LGBTQ people from the joys of sharing their lives.”
Triangle Coalition President Josh Barton said participating in this day serves many purposes.
“The Day of Silence is a silent protest and a way to pay respect to people who have been silenced by discrimination,” Barton said. “It’s a good educational experience because at the end of the day you can actually sit down with people and explain what the day means and what being silent represents.”
Gamma Rho Lambda President Ashley Price said this year the Day of Silence is honoring Lawrence King, a 14-year-old Californian who was shot by a classmate in February because of his sexual orientation.
Price said T-shirts honoring King will be available Friday for $10 in Brady Commons, which can be worn throughout the day in his memory.
Allies in Action, Triangle Coalition and Gamma Rho Lambda will host events throughout the day. From 8 to 10 a.m., a silent breakfast will take place in the LGBTQ Resource Center, and a safe space lunch will be from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center. Later in the day, the breaking the silence ceremony will take place in Speaker’s Circle at 5 p.m., followed by a social from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Heidelberg.
Barton said participants can pick up cards at the silent breakfast which explain to others their reason for remaining silent during the day. They will also be available in the LGBTQ Resource Center.
Barton said participants do not need to remain silent the entire day if that is not possible.
“Although the day actually lasts from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., some people have jobs where they have to speak to someone, so whoever participates can participate for however long they decide,” Barton said.
Price said all the events are open for anyone who wants to be involved.
“We want to get as many people as possible, so everything is free and anyone can participate,” Price said.
Barton said although the Day of Silence is meant to support LGBTQ individuals who face discrimination, it can also be used as a general protest against any type of bullying or discrimination.