Dear Editor,
Day of Silence is a national silent protest against discrimination, harassment, bullying and mistreatment of LGBTQ+ community members. As a student at Enosburg Falls High School, I want to encourage Vermont to practice silence on Friday, April 10, to protest for the right of respect for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Glisten was established in 1990 to help create safe and respectful learning environments for youth of all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, race and abilities. Since 1996, it has been leading the national list of students and people participating in Day of Silence. Participants typically break the silence at the end of the day, and that is the time to get together with people protesting alongside you and celebrate. You have made it through the day. Maybe the stares were weird. Maybe your teachers didn’t get it. Maybe your friends didn’t get it. But you made it. You participated in a fight worth fighting against bullying, harassment, discrimination and disrespect.
National Day of Silence is a time to consider the voices you aren’t hearing in your schools, communities, workplaces and other environments. What are the louder voices saying? Who is talking? Look around a table of people making the decisions, leading the charge, planning, loudly taking up space. Are all voices and perspectives represented at that table of people?
The answer is probably no, not yet. “Yet” is a key word when looking at negative scenarios in our world. “Yet” is the flower under the dirt we can’t see yet, but maybe it is there. “Yet” is the learning curve of studying algebra in school. “Yet” is hope for a future where yes is the answer. “Yet” is our future. It doesn’t mean things can’t change or won’t change; it just means they haven’t so far.
Why do we do this day of silence? Because not everyone is included and respected at the table that is our future — yet. LGBTQ+ youth have so many talents, strengths and skills. We need to be able to celebrate these amazing people. This is the time for them to bring their authentic selves to the table.
Here’s what you can do to get involved:
Youth: Register with Glisten to add your protest to the national map and access their tips, resources and support; and with Outright as a group or individual, so we can celebrate you in Vermont and send more tips and resources for a successful Day of Silence.
Adults: Share this information with any young people you know who may be interested in organizing for Day of Silence. If there’s a protest in your local school, ask how you can help — and let youth leaders know you’ve got their backs.
Asher Walker,
Enosburg, Vt.
