The discrimination the LGBTQ+ community has had to deal with for numerous decades has slightly improved, but they still face prejudice and discrimination and are fighting for a place in society. Homophobia still lingers in schools, so thanks to two students in Virginia in 1996, the Day of Silence is now celebrated every year in Liberty and surrounding schools.
The Day of Silence encourages the LGBTQ+ community to finally fight back again the oppression they have faced since the beginning of time.
This year, the event flourished at Liberty; some students kept their silence until the end of the school day. Students kept silent to spread awareness about how silenced the community feels and how much effort it takes to be treated with respect by peers and even family members. Teachers were not allowed to force participating students to talk in class if they wanted to keep silent.
Tables with small activities were set up at the quad during lunchtime, stickers distributed to passing students; rainbow tape was also given to members of the community to visibly show their teachers why they were not speaking. The tape was decorated with each color of
the rainbow to match the pride flag.
Legally, the LGBTQ+ community is protected from discrimination; this, however, doesn’t always protect them from the relentless bullying in and outside of schools. Most individuals do not consider the intense gravity of bullying, and how far it can damage someone and ruin their lives.
For example, this past February, a nonbinary student who went by the name “Nex Benedict” was pushed to their death in a girl’s restroom. Nex had blacked out after being tragically beaten by the girls in the bathroom at Owasso High School in Oklahoma. Nex’s death instilled fear in many of those apart of the community, and in many parents.
Unfortunately, violence against the community continues. Jacob Williamson was an 18-year-old transgender male with an ordinary life. He worked at the local Waffle House in South Carolina and was very close with his coworkers. He was a regular guy, fresh out of high school before he was brutally murdered. His life and opportunities were forcefully seized from him, all because of his identity.
Jacob and Nex were remembered in the hearts of those practicing the Day of Silence. Studies show that LGBTQ+ students are more likely to experience violence and suicidal ideation.
The Day of Silence is a tradition that is likely to go on for many years to come. Hopefully, the violence against the community will die down, but as of now, the acts of homophobia and prejudice are high. This year's Day of Silence will be remembered by students and will be regarded as a successful event.
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