2008 Woodie Awards
Day of Silence efforts promote much-needed QSA growth
Issue date: 4/17/08 Section: Opinion
To protest the effects that modern-day bullying has on homosexual, bisexual and transsexual people - effects that usually leave victims too frightened to vocalize their beliefs, afraid to be themselves - PSU's Queer Straight Alliance is participating in the National Day of Silence on Friday, April 25.
Participants in the Day of Silence pledge not to speak aloud during the day, hoping to draw attention to the consequences that harassment, violence, homophobia and hate bring to communities across the country.
According to a press release from QSA, this year's Day of Silence will be held in the memory of Lawrence King, an eight-grader from California who was shot and killed this year by a classmate, allegedly, in part, because of his King's sexual orientation.
The Collegio supports QSA's efforts this month, not only because the message behind such work is vital, but because QSA, unlike some other mission-oriented groups on campus, has been struggling with membership for years. Only a handful of PSU students attend QSA meetings. As such, the Day of Silence might not only promote awareness of a worthy cause, but of a group that is deserving of more campus participation.
Groups such as QSA, which works to bridge the gaps between peoples of all sexual preferences and promote awareness of and support for those struggling with sexual identity, are a lifeline for many individuals in small towns like Pittsburg. Hopefully, this year's Day of Silence will encourage more students to help these individuals in their cause.
For more information about the Day of Silence and the organization that sponsors it, readers can meet with members of QSA in the Oval from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, April 25, or contact QSA President Marshall Estes at (417) 388-2187.
Participants in the Day of Silence pledge not to speak aloud during the day, hoping to draw attention to the consequences that harassment, violence, homophobia and hate bring to communities across the country.
According to a press release from QSA, this year's Day of Silence will be held in the memory of Lawrence King, an eight-grader from California who was shot and killed this year by a classmate, allegedly, in part, because of his King's sexual orientation.
The Collegio supports QSA's efforts this month, not only because the message behind such work is vital, but because QSA, unlike some other mission-oriented groups on campus, has been struggling with membership for years. Only a handful of PSU students attend QSA meetings. As such, the Day of Silence might not only promote awareness of a worthy cause, but of a group that is deserving of more campus participation.
Groups such as QSA, which works to bridge the gaps between peoples of all sexual preferences and promote awareness of and support for those struggling with sexual identity, are a lifeline for many individuals in small towns like Pittsburg. Hopefully, this year's Day of Silence will encourage more students to help these individuals in their cause.
For more information about the Day of Silence and the organization that sponsors it, readers can meet with members of QSA in the Oval from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, April 25, or contact QSA President Marshall Estes at (417) 388-2187.
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Bob Zuley
posted 4/20/08 @ 11:33 AM CST
You denigrate yourselves and other GLBT people by calling yourself "queer," implying that there is something deficient or abnormal in your social-psychological development. (Continued…)
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