Day Of Silence

I am quite peturbed that the last discussion on this topic was locked, and the moderator redirected us to a discussion on the same topic, that was last posted on in -2006-... I've seen many repeat discussions on this board, and many discussions that are just plain nonsensical or understimulating, so I was wondering, why lock this one down so quickly?

The Day of Silence is practiced at many schools on April 18th I believe, and is a form of protest and also a tribute to the many homosexuals who have lost their lives for just being themselves. At Arizona State University, I saw many students walking around with duct-tape on their mouths. I believe it is a very effective form of protest, that does not promote violence or hate but simply induces thoughtfulness and acceptance. So to get to the discussion portion of this post, what were your reactions to the Day of Silence if you witnessed it? or did you participate yourself, and how did it make you feel?

I wish we could do that at our high school, but in michigan, we have a bunch of one-sided hicktowns, so most of us are afraid of coming out, so we just don't do the day of silence, even though i wish we could. but kids and adults here are too judgmental, and we're stuck pretending everything is ok, and everybody's this form of 'normal'. the last girl that came out at my school got teased bullied so much for it, so had to move away. :(

Lol... I was about to ask the same question, however looking at the last post thread explained why it had to be closed.

I can't excuse Joe's ignorance on annual protest of human rights. However the last post thread incited stupidity...

A lesbian claiming that she doesn't understand the symbolism of silence and mourning for those who died being who they are.

But I guess that's what you expect from youth...Lol.

Its sad really how people still are being killed for something they are and cannot change...

Lol.. well I have to agree, Noir, that the post which was locked did incite stupidity, but I would have been happy to reverse the disorder, hence the whole purpose of having this part of the site labeled 'discussion.'

It is absolutely terrifying that there are people out there who will kill, torture and bully with no remorse, simply because they do not like someone elses preferances. I'd like to bring up a very real, and very prominent situation in the gay community by way of telling one student's story. You may have heard of Mathew Shepard, but I'm not sure if you know the extent of his torture and death. Mathew Shepard was a 21 year old college student, who was openly gay. One night he was at a bar, and two college aged kids offered him a ride home. They took him to a rural part of town, robbed him, tortured him in many ways, and tied him to a fence to die alone. They did this because he was gay. They had no remorse, and one even bragged in jail that he 'killed a fag.' How can we possibly ignore these hate crimes? We can't, but we can honor him in silence, representing the fact that he really isn't alone, even if his murderers made him to be in death.
There are many stories like this that have not been universally told. A couple, man and man, were walking home one night after a party. Two or three large men came up from behind them and attacked them. One of the men being attacked was large and muscular, and was able to get away with only a broken leg, but his partner died that night; the last things he heard were 'fag' and other hateful rhetorics. How can this possibly be justified?

What's even worse is hate groups who want gay people killed. They say they are christian and american, yet they support hate and violence, robbery and vandalism. I only hope that effective responses to these acts of hate; such as the Day of Silence and other protests; will increase in number.

Allie: I hope you find it in yourself, in time, to stand up for what is right even if you feel you will stand alone. Sometimes it takes a strong person to do the right thing, and many others who have felt the same will follow. I assure you that you're not the only one in your town who feels the way you feel.

Please use the 'Search Forums' tool, it is there for a reason. There are already several topics concerning this, please use those untill they reach 100 posts and get locked. Then if you wish, you can create a new thread.

This is a warning, please do not create duplicate threads which are you still able to post on.