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Vow of silence at Blakelock speaks volumes against trans/homophobia By Twoey Gray, Grade 11, T.A. Blakelock H.S. 23 · Friday, May 25, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com P lease respect my silence for those silenced by homophobia -- that message was clear and proudly displayed on the chests of Blakelock students, recently. On Friday, April 20, 107 students honoured the Day of Silence, an international event drawing attention to homophobia and transphobia in schools. Strapping on stickers -- some donning duct tape on their mouths -- these students observed a wordless school day in solidarity with those facing intolerance, within our school community and beyond. Since 1996, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network's Day of Silence has served as an annual reminder of how many people worldwide are affected by discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, the real problem of bullying is anything but a one-day event. "One in 10 people are part of a gender or sexual minority," a ninth-grader read to a crowd of 500 students at the Day of Silence promotional assembly. "That would be at least 50 people in this room. "Of those people, 90 per cent will experience harassment, 80 per cent will have no one stand up for them, 50 per cent will be physically threatened, and 30 per cent will skip school, out of fear for their safety." Another student read aloud that unchecked homophobia and transphobia can lead to homelessness, depression, substance abuse, and suicide attempts. "If you factor in all the lives affected by homophobia, you're looking at multi-millions." Anti-bullying remains a recurring theme in media and politics. As Canadian teen suicides sweep the press and anti-bullying legislation waits at Queen's Park, students cite homophobia as the No. 1 cause of harassment, over racism and sexism. However, the consequences of homophobia and transphobia in Canada are tame when examined under a global perspective. In Uganda, homosexuality is a capital offence. In Honduras, homicides and hate crimes against transgendered people are rampant. In Russia, you can be arrested for saying the word `gay' in public. In Angola, you can be sentenced to a labour camp for having a same-sex relationship. In fact, in most countries, people whose gender identities or sexual orientation differ from what is considered the norm will be denied the most basic human rights. The world continues to tell us that being ourselves is wrong, yet acts surprised when another child takes his or her own life. The Day of Silence is about challenging this routine. By creating a culture of understanding and tolerance, we nurse a society that respects differences and strives for equality. Weeks after the event, the efforts of one day still resonate. The act of self-censorship allows participants to ask themselves what they can do to end homophobia and transphobia. Meanwhile, the visibility of participants creates an external face to the issue, ultimately inspiring yearround change. Through awareness events like the Day of Silence, Blakelock students are directly taking action in what will be called the social revolution of our lifetime, akin to desegregation and the emancipation of women. This generation is onceagain transforming how we view minorities, one small step at a time. One thing is certain -- this silence speaks volumes. If you are a teacher or student interested in participating in an upcoming Kids Speak Out - School News column featured in the Beaver, please e-mail Tom Dykes at dykes@cogeco.ca. Friends of World Vision Presents A Fundraising Event for the Children of Montaña de Fe, El Salvador It Takes a Village All raised proceeds will support the creation of an early childhood centre in El Salvador Rick Campanelli ET Canada Master of Ceremonies Susan Hay Global TV Keynote Speaker Suzie McNeil Recording Artist Performing $125 PROUDLY SPONSORED BY Ticket s Tuesday, June 12, 2012 Rattlesnake Point Golf Club, Milton, ON 6:30p.m. Registration Dress code is casual elegant To purchase tickets, please visit friendsofworldvision.com www.facebook.com/friendsofworldvision Gala Dinner and Auction Bronte Movers