On Friday, many students participated in the Day of Silence. The Day of Silence is a day where students take part in a peaceful protest to show how members of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning) community feel silenced. According to Dayofsilence.org, the event started in 1996 at the University of Virginia in order to create safer institutions for students regardless, of their sexual orientation. Here at West Chester, Vice President of LGBTQA, Virginia Smith said that the organization usually holds a “Breaking the Silence” event in the quad, but this year it did not take place. “I don’t personally think it is effective for college students. The way the original event started was in high schools and that is why it worked so well,” Smith said. Smith also made the comparison of the effectiveness of having about 20 students out of 200 taking part in the event as opposed to about 30 out of 15,000 students on a college campus.
The Day of Silence helps others to realize how members of the LGBTQ community are silenced with violent acts and speech. The day recognizes that being silent helps others understand the oppression forced upon the LGBTQ community. Members of both communities are involved in order to seek a better way of life for everyone.
One of the easiest ways to get involved with the Day of Silence is to join the LGBTQA. Smith said that if a student asks for information on the event, they will be given information on how to get involved with the Day of Silence and any other programs the LGBTQA has to offer.
All across the United States students participate in the Day of Silence. Students can find out more information on the Day of Silence at dayofsilence.org. There are regulations to the participation, but everyone is welcome to participate. The event spans across all LGBTQ communities and the straight communitiy.
T.J. Cromyak is a fourth year student majoring in Communication Studies and minoring in Journalism. He can be reached at Ac651771@wcupa.edu