Silent
event sheds light on LGBT issues
By Keng Baloco
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
In an effort to end the silence lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)
students experience and end bullying, discrimination and harassment in the
school environment, the LGBT Resource Center (LGBTRC) and its allies hosted
the Day of Silence Wednesday.
The Day of Silence, a student-led day of action, was created by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight
Education Network (GLENS) in Collaboration with the United States Student Association
(USSA).
Created in 1996 at the University of Virginia, the Day of Silence has spread
nationwide with schools K-12, colleges and universities participating in the
event. GLENS has received national recognition and the organization’s
representatives have appeared on national media outlets and have received massive
local media coverage.
The LGBTRC at Cal State Long Beach participated actively in the Day of Silence
and showed full support for the event. The center set up a booth across from
the bookstore to distribute information to students concerning the importance
of the Day of Silence.
The booth was manned by members of the center, the Delta Lambda Phi Fraternity
which, according to its Web site, is “the national social fraternity
for gay, bisexual and progressive men” and members of the Rainbow Alliance.
Psychologist and LGBTRC Faculty Co-Advisor Kirstyn Chun encourages CSULB students
to participate in the day of silence.
“
I think it’s important for LGBT students and straight allies to be aware
of social and political movements going on in campus,” Chun said. “We
need to create awareness of LGBT discrimination in high schools and colleges.”
According to Chun, this event helps LGBT students connect to each other, their
communities and helps to build strong coalitions.
“
We encourage straight friends and co-workers to participate,” Chun said.
The LGBTRC has built coalitions with the Rainbow Alliance and Delta Lambda
Phi fraternity.
Coordinator of Greek Life Caitlin Roberts says that the LGBTRC and Delta Lambda
Phi work together hand-in-hand.
“ Delta Lambda Phi co-sponsors events with the center,” she said.
Roberts said the fraternity uses the center for much of its resources.
Chun encourages students to raise issues in class pertaining to LGBT to support
LGBT students. Chun suggests that students refrain from saying hurtful phrases
even if unintentional.
In order to celebrate the success of the day of silence, a party was held to
bring participants together. Starting at 7 p.m., the LGBTRC held a Break-the-Silence
Party at the USU Games Room where students gathered to express themselves and
to reveal their experiences with friends and other participants.
The student-run LGBTRC was founded 10 years ago. It makes every effort to eliminate
homophobia, gender identity oppression, heterosexism and other forms of marginalization
in society.
|
