Day of Silence
For too long, the silencing of LGBT people and their allies has been the norm. Whether it's the lack of LGBT-inclusive material in educational resources, or role assignments based upon our assumed gender, such silence and silencing affects us all in a profound way.
Just as profound, however, can be the use of silence as a form of protest. The Day of Silence moves the power of these personal experiences to a community-focused effort. The Day of Silence is a way turning silence on its head, of reclaiming silence as a tool.
The Day of Silence institutes a visible silence, a silence during which participants protest anti-LGBT discrimination and abuse. Such an effort also allows us to reflect upon how powerful silencing can be, to focus on how we can make our own voices stronger and to begin to stop silencing ourselves.
Although you may not be silent today, but I and others who are organizers of many Day of Silence and similar events throughout the United States would be most appreciative if you showed your support. Thanks!
Michael Sievers
Popular Opinion Leader
President - Heartland PRIDE
Population Representative, Illinois Prevention Community Planning Group
Santa Barbara
13-04-2005, 06:34
There are no Days of Silence. At best all you could realistically get are Days of Slightly Less Than Average Total Noise.
Soviet Narco State
13-04-2005, 06:37
Maybe instead of straight people being silent, LBGT people should just shout all day.
Pepe Dominguez
13-04-2005, 06:39
Feh. Get a better acronym first. Then some better spokesmen.. then maybe someone might actually go along with the "day of silence" or stay in town while you do your parade.. :rolleyes:
Funny, because in 2004 approximately 500,000 people participated in the Day of Silence..
Pepe Dominguez
13-04-2005, 07:02
Funny, because in 2004 approximately 500,000 people participated in the Day of Silence..
First off, pfft. I'll believe that whacky number when I see it.
What I want to know is, if you're trying to "reclaim silence as a tool," who are you taking it back from? Who has it now, and what are they doing with it? :D
Occidio Multus
13-04-2005, 07:08
Funny, because in 2004 approximately 500,000 people participated in the Day of Silence..
i wil believe it when i hear it.
i wil believe it when i hear it.
WHAT?!?
Greater Yubari
13-04-2005, 07:13
Silence is overrated.
Lascivious Maximus
13-04-2005, 07:16
i wil believe it when i hear it.
*snickers* Feeling punny?
Occidio, I come in to tell you - check your TG's (it't there this time, I swear it). :)
[/lojack]
Armandian Cheese
13-04-2005, 07:23
For too long, the silencing of LGBT people and their allies has been the norm. Whether it's the lack of LGBT-inclusive material in educational resources, or role assignments based upon our assumed gender, such silence and silencing affects us all in a profound way.
Just as profound, however, can be the use of silence as a form of protest. The Day of Silence moves the power of these personal experiences to a community-focused effort. The Day of Silence is a way turning silence on its head, of reclaiming silence as a tool.
The Day of Silence institutes a visible silence, a silence during which participants protest anti-LGBT discrimination and abuse. Such an effort also allows us to reflect upon how powerful silencing can be, to focus on how we can make our own voices stronger and to begin to stop silencing ourselves.
Although you may not be silent today, but I and others who are organizers of many Day of Silence and similar events throughout the United States would be most appreciative if you showed your support. Thanks!
Michael Sievers
Popular Opinion Leader
President - Heartland PRIDE
Population Representative, Illinois Prevention Community Planning Group
You're kidding, right? Gays are the most vocal minority group around!
Pepe Dominguez
13-04-2005, 07:27
You're kidding, right? Gays are the most vocal minority group around!
Yeah, but now they're "reclaiming" silence. See, they've got both angles covered now. Damn unions and special-interests have been hogging all the silence for too long: the gays gotta get their fair share of the silence back! :D
I actually know a number of people who participated in the Day of Silence. Although silence usually tends to get you even more unnoticed...
Preebles
13-04-2005, 07:39
I actually know a number of people who participated in the Day of Silence. Although silence usually tends to get you even more unnoticed...
Well, the way Quakers did it here in protest against the Iraq war and treatment of Indigenous Australians was to have a couple of people being silent, and then have a few other people explaining what was going on and handing out leaflets and petitions. That makes more sense to me.
New Sancrosanctia
13-04-2005, 07:43
You're kidding, right? Gays are the most vocal minority group around!
i dunno about that. i know some mexicans who just don't shut the hell up.
http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=&q=day+of+silence&btnG-Search+News
Arammanar
13-04-2005, 19:50
http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=&q=day+of+silence&btnG-Search+News
Hehe, from the first sentence:
"The daughter will be participating in today's Day of Silence at her hight school"
http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/news/default.aspx?mid=800&cid=3398
I love how people are reacting so strongly to this 'indoctrination' (via silence? how's that again?) by staging a 'Day of Truth' to non-violently show the 'Christian perspective' of LGBTT people. :rolleyes:
Yes, everytime LGBTT people try to make a point, let's protest them and prove them wrong by shutting them up and calling them unnatural.*sigh*
Jordaxia
13-04-2005, 20:06
http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/news/default.aspx?mid=800&cid=3398
I love how people are reacting so strongly to this 'indoctrination' (via silence? how's that again?) by staging a 'Day of Truth' to non-violently show the 'Christian perspective' of LGBTT people. :rolleyes:
Yes, everytime LGBTT people try to make a point, let's protest them and prove them wrong by shutting them up and calling them unnatural.*sigh*
*from that article*
"I am speaking the Truth to break the silence. I believe in equal treatment for all, and not special rights for a few. I believe in loving my neighbor, but part of that love means not condoning detrimental personal and social behavior. I believe that by boldly proclaiming the Truth, hurts will be halted, hearts will be healed, and lives will be saved."
So they support us after all!
(and once again I see the ominous "homosexual agenda".... what the hell wasn't I told about?)
*from that article*
"I am speaking the Truth to break the silence. I believe in equal treatment for all, and not special rights for a few. I believe in loving my neighbor, but part of that love means not condoning detrimental personal and social behavior. I believe that by boldly proclaiming the Truth, hurts will be halted, hearts will be healed, and lives will be saved."
So they support us after all!
I think they'd be quite upset to hear you say that, considering your very existence is no doubt personally and socially detrimental, whatever THAT means.
(and once again I see the ominous "homosexual agenda".... what the hell wasn't I told about?)
Oh I love that one...I think it's so great that such a diverse group of people could gell together enough to have a 'homosexual agenda'...especially the transgendered/transsexual people who get tossed into the mix because no one knows where else to put them, even though their sexuality is much more complicated than 'straight' or 'gay'. If only your 'community' could teach the rest of us to get along and agree enough to have 'an agenda'! :D
Jordaxia
13-04-2005, 20:26
I think they'd be quite upset to hear you say that, considering your very existence is no doubt personally and socially detrimental, whatever THAT means.
But... but.... their closed mindedness is to their personal detriment.... and taking time out of their busy schedule is obviously to their social detriment. T'oh... How altruistic of them to lower themselves to our level just to make a point.
Oh I love that one...I think it's so great that such a diverse group of people could gell together enough to have a 'homosexual agenda'...especially the transgendered/transsexual people who get tossed into the mix because no one knows where else to put them, even though their sexuality is much more complicated than 'straight' or 'gay'. If only your 'community' could teach the rest of us to get along and agree enough to have 'an agenda'! :D
That's all part of our TT plan to make life difficult for the bureaucrats. It's a real agenda, unlike the crummy homosexual agenda. First we confuse them... then the religions... Then the world!
Personally I think we should all unite to crusade against the a/nonsexuals. They're dead inside!*
But, forgive my ignorance... but what is "the first liberty"? I could probably make an accurate guess... but exact words of the text'd be preferable.
*Contents of this paragraph and indeed the entire post before this point may be taken in a tongue in cheek fashion.
*from that article*
"I am speaking the Truth to break the silence. I believe in equal treatment for all, and not special rights for a few. I believe in loving my neighbor, but part of that love means not condoning detrimental personal and social behavior. I believe that by boldly proclaiming the Truth, hurts will be halted, hearts will be healed, and lives will be saved."
So they support us after all!
(and once again I see the ominous "homosexual agenda".... what the hell wasn't I told about?)
Ah, no - see, they believe in equal treatment for all.. but we aren't in the "all" - because they believe that giving us the same rights as heterosexual couples would begiving special rights to "few". if you get what I mean. Gah, I havn't said a single word to anyone all day. Although typing is fun!
Neo-Anarchists
13-04-2005, 20:29
I was about to note that I had already been talking today, but then I realized that I haven't left my house and I don't think I've called anybody or anything, so I have been silent purely by accident. Except it doesn't matter since I'm shut up in my house.
Dammit.
I was about to note that I had already been talking today, but then I realized that I haven't left my house and I don't think I've called anybody or anything, so I have been silent purely by accident. Except it doesn't matter since I'm shut up in my house.
Dammit.
Hmmmm...frankly, even if I were completely silent at work, no one would notice:(. I suppose a placard might be a good addition to my silence? But then people will want to know what the placard is about, and I won't be able to answer! I'M TORN!
Sdaeriji
13-04-2005, 20:34
I was about to note that I had already been talking today, but then I realized that I haven't left my house and I don't think I've called anybody or anything, so I have been silent purely by accident. Except it doesn't matter since I'm shut up in my house.
Dammit.
Do you suppose grunting half-assed noises in response to my roommate blathering on about some inane drivel I couldn't care less about counts as talking?
New Sancrosanctia
13-04-2005, 20:34
i dunno about that. i know some mexicans who just don't shut the hell up.
ok, never mind. i just found out that they're gay.
Jordaxia
13-04-2005, 20:34
Ah, no - see, they believe in equal treatment for all.. but we aren't in the "all" - because they believe that giving us the same rights as heterosexual couples would begiving special rights to "few". if you get what I mean. Gah, I havn't said a single word to anyone all day. Although typing is fun!
You gotta love that. By implication, we aren't worthy of equal treatment. So treating us as equals would be them doing us a big favour! We should really be thankful they're considering it, and you should abandon your day of silence in tribute.
I have already been talking today... but only about trivial stuff, like how Stephen Fry should be the next James Bond... is that OK? Also I lack the self control to be quiet all day, so I'd fail. I also was unaware of it, being locked in blighty and all.
Dempublicents1
13-04-2005, 20:34
I was about to note that I had already been talking today, but then I realized that I haven't left my house and I don't think I've called anybody or anything, so I have been silent purely by accident. Except it doesn't matter since I'm shut up in my house.
Dammit.
I wish I'd known about this ahead of time - I talk so much I really could've made a few people think. Grar.
Next year?
Dempublicents1
13-04-2005, 20:35
Hmmmm...frankly, even if I were completely silent at work, no one would notice:(. I suppose a placard might be a good addition to my silence? But then people will want to know what the placard is about, and I won't be able to answer! I'M TORN!
The website I just went to suggests that you make little cards to hand to people to explain your silence.
Jordaxia
13-04-2005, 20:36
Hmmmm...frankly, even if I were completely silent at work, no one would notice:(. I suppose a placard might be a good addition to my silence? But then people will want to know what the placard is about, and I won't be able to answer! I'M TORN!
Put an explanation on the other side of the placard, and turn it round when they demand to know. Problem solved.
Put an explanation on the other side of the placard, and turn it round when they demand to know. Problem solved.
Thanks...I think I'll do that actually...I have a staff meeting coming up and it could provide some good exposure!
You only need to be silent for around 9 hours. At around 5, many communitues have a "Night of Noise Rally" to break the silence surrounding the discrimination gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied students experience in our schools and communities. For existence, there is on at the Thompson Center in Chicago tonight at 5:30, featuring the About Face Youth Theater, Radical Cheerleaders, Raw Works poets, Chicago Kings, and other fun stuff.
The website I just went to suggests that you make little cards to hand to people to explain your silence.
"Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I am participating in the Day of Silence, a national movement protesting the silence faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their allies. 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."
That is what is written on the post-it notes that GLSEN/Day of Silence national organizers sent to me since I'm apart of GLSEN as well.
I can see it now (I live in a very hick town)...as soon as people read my placard, everyone will be talking loudly to prove "I ain't no HOMO!"
*sigh*
Jordaxia
13-04-2005, 20:57
I can see it now (I live in a very hick town)...as soon as people read my placard, everyone will be talking loudly to prove "I ain't no HOMO!"
*sigh*
Then you need a tri sided placard. First one with the basic message, second for the explanation, and the third with a comedy sound effect on it as you club them with it. Either that or you could have "I'm intolerant of intolerants" on that side.
You are prone to excessive violence on occassion... right? please?
If not, you could always play "intolerant hunter", an ironic game, with your children. They'll be distracted for hours.
Swimmingpool
13-04-2005, 21:01
You're kidding, right? Gays are the most vocal minority group around!
No, immigrants are. Or maybe evangelical Christians if you're talking about America.
Costa Bella
13-04-2005, 21:03
I completely forgot it was the day of silence today. I don't think it really makes that much of a difference to tell the truth. Or at least in my area where there aren't a big group of people doing it. I tried to do it by myself in high school (all male catholic) and got made fun of for it... -_-
Pantalonystan
13-04-2005, 21:05
There were a good number of people participating in the Day of Silence at my schhol today.
There were a good number of people participating in the Day of Silence at my schhol today.
Aside:
In Pantalonystan, are all the parties in your pantalones? :D
I completely forgot it was the day of silence today. I don't think it really makes that much of a difference to tell the truth. Or at least in my area where there aren't a big group of people doing it. I tried to do it by myself in high school (all male catholic) and got made fun of for it... -_-
That doesn't surprise me, happens to many LGBTA people on a day-to-day basisn -shrug-
Swimmingpool
13-04-2005, 21:12
If I was American, and a high school student I would participate in the Day of Silence.
Feh. Get a better acronym first. Then some better spokesmen.. then maybe someone might actually go along with the "day of silence" or stay in town while you do your parade.. :rolleyes:
Lose the homophobia please, maybe you'll pick up some credibility on the way!
Costa Bella
13-04-2005, 21:13
That doesn't surprise me, happens to many LGBTA people on a day-to-day basisn -shrug-
Yeah, I know it does...
... and what does your "A" stand for? I've never seen that... I've seen LGBTQ... and ones even longer...
Dempublicents1
13-04-2005, 21:15
Yeah, I know it does...
... and what does your "A" stand for? I've never seen that... I've seen LGBTQ... and ones even longer...
What is Q?
I've started using LGBTI.
Costa Bella
13-04-2005, 21:21
What is Q?
I've started using LGBTI.
Q is Questioning or Queer
I take it I is intersexed? (Which I've heard some intersexed people don't want to be associated with us...)
Dempublicents1
13-04-2005, 21:29
Q is Questioning or Queer
Ah, ok.
I take it I is intersexed? (Which I've heard some intersexed people don't want to be associated with us...)
Yup, although I hadn't heard that. Of course, I've talked to some homosexuals who don't want transgendered people associated with them. I guess there's issues everywhere.
Costa Bella
13-04-2005, 21:35
Ah, ok.
Yup, although I hadn't heard that. Of course, I've talked to some homosexuals who don't want transgendered people associated with them. I guess there's issues everywhere.
I suppose it's because of the variety of people that can be found in the LGBTQI(A)... community. Gay people can understand their feelings for the same sex, but find it odd that someone would want to change their sex to fit the gender that they feel they are. I'm not really into drag queens/kings... but that's just me. I recognize their right to do as they please, I just prefer not to go to drag shows. I believe all people deserve equal rights, even though we may not understand them. We are free to be ourselves as long as we aren't harming anyone.
Pantalonystan
13-04-2005, 21:38
Aside:
In Pantalonystan, are all the parties in your pantalones? :D
Hell yeah. Lol. jk. :p
Cogitation
13-04-2005, 21:40
That's all part of our TT plan to make life difficult for the bureaucrats. It's a real agenda, unlike the crummy homosexual agenda. First we confuse them... then the religions... Then the world!
I'm sorry, I'm confused....
I thought the homosexual and liberal agendas got rolled up into the socialist agenda. Am I mistaken?
--The Jovial States of Cogitation
"Laugh about it for a moment."
NationStates Self-Proclaimed Court Jester
...
On a more serious note, I do wish all those participating Good Luck.
--The Democratic States of Cogitation
Jordaxia
13-04-2005, 21:45
I'm sorry, I'm confused....
I thought the homosexual and liberal agendas got rolled up into the socialist agenda. Am I mistaken?
And the grammar nazi agenda. They're big on ironic humour, apparently.
And well... there's an easy explanation for that. Typically homosexuals and liberals have a higher IQ than conservatives, and drift naturally to he socialist agenda... nothing really magical there.*
*again, for the humour impaired, you know who you are... this asterisked and the above statement fits into the "joke" category.
LGBTQCAS or whatever letter of the alphabet you choose to associate yourself with.
Lesbian
Gay
Bisexual
Transgender
Questioning
Curious
Ally
Straight (Supporter/Ally)
It varies in certain areas.