Silent Break, Shout 'Proud'

Photo by Courtney Erland.
Students participating in the LGBTQ Day of Silence.

By Broadside Correspondent Siobhan Fabio

Students gathered in front of the Johnson Center to end their “Day of Silence,” last Wednesday evening. Participants do not speak a word all day to bring attention to anti-LGBTQ bias in schools and protest the bullying and harassment experienced by LGBTQ students and their allies. The students held hands while silently reflecting on the experiences they had throughout the day and the reasons behind their reticence. When they felt ready, participants broke their silence by yelling “Proud!”

Afterwards, they proceeded to Dewberry Hall where they held a discussion about their participation in the Day of Silence, as well as its personal relevance. Several students shared their teachers’ and peers’ reaction to their silence. “It makes you realize what it feels like to be silenced, and shows how important our voices are and what happens when we’re not speaking,” said Robert Crofton, a senior pre-nursing major.

Students also discussed the kinds of issues that arose by being silent and if the participants learned anything new from the day’s experiences. Mhehvish Khan, a junior psychology major, says that not being able to verbally explain the day to people was difficult. “One of my friends asked me why I was silent and when I showed her the Facebook page she said ‘but you’re not a lesbian.’ It was frustrating that she didn’t understand. Not being able to talk the whole day was hard,” said Khan.

Day of Silence was sponsored by PRIDE Alliance, Student Government, The Rotaract Club, the Office of Student Activities and the Office of Diversity Programs and Services. When asked if the event was successful, sophomore D’Leon Barnett, an integrative studies major and Student Government’s Diversity Chair said, “I think it really enhanced [Mason’s] diversity and brought students together on an important issue.”

Approximately 100 students participated in the Day of Silence.