2008 Woodie Awards
Day of Truth, Day of Scilence
Megan Obright
Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: Culture
Friday, April 25, is the annual protest against hatred towards others becaue of their sexual orientation, known as the Day of Silence. The event began in 1996 and has spread throughout the country, impacting the lives of many people.
The concept of the demonstration is fairly simple: all those who are against hatred and violence towards people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender spend the entire day in silence, handing out informational cards explaining their protest. Last year's cards said the following:
"Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the Day of Silence, a national youth movement protesting the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies in schools. My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by harassment, prejudice and discrimination. I believe that ending the silence is the first step toward fighting these injustices. Think about the voices you are not hearing today. What are you going to do to end the silence?"
Since 1996, the number of schools and participants have increased. It has been estimated that over 4,000 schools participated in the 2006 Day of Silence. This year's Day of Silence is in memory of Lawrence "Larry" King, an openly gay 15 year old who was shot in the head at his school by a fellow classmate who King had asked to be his valentine. King died on Feb. 15, after being kept alive by life support for three days.
Cases such as King's are the reason that the Day of Silence was started, as an attempt to put an end to harassment, violence and hate towards those who are GLBT.
Not everyone is in favor of these protests. Since 2005, there have been annual protests against the Day of Silence, called the Day of Truth. This event also has had an increasing number of participants each year, starting with just over 1,100 students participating the first year and 7,000 participants last year.
The Day of Truth will take place on Monday, April 28, in response to the Day of Silence. Supporters of this event aim to protest homosexuality and the acceptance of people who are GLBT, as well as opposing same-sex marriages. This protest is supported by the Alliance Defense Fund, as well as several Christian groups, Concerned Women for America, Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council.
Participants pass out informational cards, similar to those passed out on the Day of Silence, which read:
"I'm speaking the Truth to break the silence.
True tolerance means that people with differing -- even opposing -- viewpoints can freely exchange ideas and respectfully listen to each other.
It's time for an honest conversation about homosexuality.There's freedom to change if you want to. Let's talk."
Participating groups of the Day of Truth believe that the Day of Silence encourages acceptance of homosexuality, which they consider a sin. They believe this sin can be treated and cured through training and prayer.
Both events are completely legal and participants on both sides are able to express their opinions on the controversial topic of homosexuality through these protests.
This year Western students will be participating in the day of Silence on Thursday, April 24•
The concept of the demonstration is fairly simple: all those who are against hatred and violence towards people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender spend the entire day in silence, handing out informational cards explaining their protest. Last year's cards said the following:
"Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the Day of Silence, a national youth movement protesting the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies in schools. My deliberate silence echoes that silence, which is caused by harassment, prejudice and discrimination. I believe that ending the silence is the first step toward fighting these injustices. Think about the voices you are not hearing today. What are you going to do to end the silence?"
Since 1996, the number of schools and participants have increased. It has been estimated that over 4,000 schools participated in the 2006 Day of Silence. This year's Day of Silence is in memory of Lawrence "Larry" King, an openly gay 15 year old who was shot in the head at his school by a fellow classmate who King had asked to be his valentine. King died on Feb. 15, after being kept alive by life support for three days.
Cases such as King's are the reason that the Day of Silence was started, as an attempt to put an end to harassment, violence and hate towards those who are GLBT.
Not everyone is in favor of these protests. Since 2005, there have been annual protests against the Day of Silence, called the Day of Truth. This event also has had an increasing number of participants each year, starting with just over 1,100 students participating the first year and 7,000 participants last year.
The Day of Truth will take place on Monday, April 28, in response to the Day of Silence. Supporters of this event aim to protest homosexuality and the acceptance of people who are GLBT, as well as opposing same-sex marriages. This protest is supported by the Alliance Defense Fund, as well as several Christian groups, Concerned Women for America, Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council.
Participants pass out informational cards, similar to those passed out on the Day of Silence, which read:
"I'm speaking the Truth to break the silence.
True tolerance means that people with differing -- even opposing -- viewpoints can freely exchange ideas and respectfully listen to each other.
It's time for an honest conversation about homosexuality.There's freedom to change if you want to. Let's talk."
Participating groups of the Day of Truth believe that the Day of Silence encourages acceptance of homosexuality, which they consider a sin. They believe this sin can be treated and cured through training and prayer.
Both events are completely legal and participants on both sides are able to express their opinions on the controversial topic of homosexuality through these protests.
This year Western students will be participating in the day of Silence on Thursday, April 24•
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