Day of Silence
Today marks the 12th annual Day of Silence. Today, across the nation, students will remain silent in support of the thousands of GLBT students who are silenced on a daily basis in the form of homophobia. This year’s Day of Silence is dedicated to the memory of 15 year old Larry King, who was shot in the head by a classmate while in school. Because of the life I lead, it is impossible for me to stay “silent” today. So in Larry’s memory, and in support of the brave students and allies across the nation who are participating today, I’m offering this commentary.
As we near the 10th anniversary of Matthew Shepherd’s tragic murder, it becomes strikingly obvious how much more there is to accomplish. The murder of Larry King is evidence that our teachers, parents, media, politicians and activists are not doing enough to combat homophobia in our school system and in our daily lives. While gay/straight alliances are ever growing across the country and legislation continues to push forward, it’s important to remember that the homophobia that caused Matthew Shepherd’s death still exists.
I’m not so sure that raising awareness to all of this while also in an election year is a coincidence. Those even thinking about voting for John McCain, for whatever reason, should pay attention to his record and his supporters before making that decision. He is not supportive of hate crimes legislation, same sex marriage, openly gay members of the military, or inclusion of transgender people in anti-discrimination laws. He seeks out donors such as John Hagee who blame Hurricane Katrina on the city of New Orleans’ gay pride festival. Remember this in November, even if you’re still bitter over the current democratic primary.
Words like John Hagee’s have a lasting effect. If public figures continue to spew hatred and go unchecked, then what message does that send to our children. If people like Sally Kern are allowed to spread bigotry within local governments and no one protests, what message do we send to Larry? If you support the GLBT community and recognize that no person deserves to live in fear, then today is a day to remember your role as a member of the human race.
It does start with words. I understand that faggot is just a word, but when directed at a 15 year old boy who is trying to get through his day without being harassed, it’s a whole lot more than a word. If we can always remember that, and stand up for those who are always put down, then we can make more impressive strides in this fight. I know the what those words meant to me when i was a struggling teenager trying to find himself. Maybe we can all make it easier for kids today.
Kids like Larry.
Filed under: Gay Rights, politics | Tagged: Gay Rights, homophobia, Day Of Silence, Larry King, Sally Kern, John Hagee, GLBT
Beautifully done.
I couldn’t agree more.
The Portland R & O, my hometown newspaper ran a letter to the editor written by some religious nut-job, offended that local schools were supporting the day of silence. Several response letters followed, mostly from people in agreement that supporting this cause promotes homosexuality and only one person disgusted by the amount of ignorance and hatred corrupting our community. Sadly, the whole hubbub didn’t much faze me. It was only a decade ago when boys in my school were allowed to wear KKK uniforms as Halloween costumes. I’m pained and surprised by my lack of shock over the blatant intolerance that still runs rampant in my quaint little Christian town. I guess I’ve just grown accustom to the limited scope of their narrow minds. So long as they believe that Jesus thinks it’s a sin, there is just no budging their prejudice.
While the hubbub doesn’t surprise you, and not saying it should, we shouldn’t accept it. As for the religious right, the advancement of many christian churches on this issue has surprised me. And while hateful religious leaders still cause problems for the advancement of acceptance, remember that there are plenty of them on the other side.
Unfortunately those preachers end up getting dragged through the political primary mess for making comments that while harsh and full of crude language, were ultimately true. Not naming names of course.
My point is that while we can become accustomed to the bigotry, we can also celebrate people in the conservative and religious community who are actually on our side.
Love you Kristy!