The Day of Silence
Last Friday, Grace along with thousands of schools around the country participated in the “Day of Silence.” The Day of Silence sponsored by GLSEN is a student led nation-wide event that attempts to bring awareness to the inherent silencing effects of anti-LGBTQ+ harassment in schools. Participating students take a vow of silence in effort to galvanize schools and fellow classmates to directly address the exponentially growing problem of anti-LGBTQ+ bullying. If you are interested in supporting these ideals or participating in discourse that promotes LGBTQ+ topics, the Grace Spectrum Club is a perfect space to converse on this matter. The club meets in the first floor conference room during club time Wednesday, feel free to reach out to Amelia Milne.
Seeing so many students and teachers with rainbow pins proudly walking through the halls of Grace to show their support and allyship towards the inherently marginalized LGBTQ+ community highlighted one of Grace’s greatest aspects: the community. Our one of a kind student body has proven to be inclusive, respectful and supportive, and we are very lucky to be a part of it. Hear directly from a few of the students who participated and supported the Day of Silence below.
“I think that it is important to give voices to the LGBTQ+ community. Without the Day of Silence, people would not know the effects of anti-LGBTQ+ harassment.” – Lauren Holland ’19
“Day of silence is something important. Activism is something made by making noise, I am for it but for a certain degree feel we should be louder.” – Emmet Hawkins ’18
“Day of Silence is an opportunity for allies of the LGBTQ+ community to raise awareness for those in the community who are unable to speak freely about their identity and the regular violence and adversity faced many across the world. It is also an opportunity for reflection. As a straight person, I do not face those challenges, but Day of Silence raised my own person awareness greatly.”-Jonah Henkle ’18
“I participate in the Day of Silence because I feel it is important to bring attention to anti-LGBTQ behavior. I believe this school should be a comfortable and safe space for everyone, and this day is a step in the right direction.” – Declan Slonim ’19
“I participate in the Day of Silence because it is important to be an ally to those who don’t have a voice. By giving up my voice today, I am showing my allyship and giving a voice to those who need it.”- Camille Segre-Lawrence ’18
“I participated in the Day of Silence because I wanted to show my support for LGBTQ+ rights, especially amidst the current social and political state of the country.” – Anna Hedengren ‘20
“It honestly comes down to the fact that the LGBTQ+ community is still facing criticism and hate. I just thought the best thing to do was be an ally. In a time like this we all need to be allies. The Day of Silence was a call to everyone to stand in solidarity and I felt that I needed to participate.” – James Mahedy ’18