CPHS Honors LGBTQ+ Day of Silence

Being mute or feeling silenced is something almost everyone feels in their life. Whether it be due to someone shutting you down or you just not being confident it happens in a lot of people, especially in LGBTQ+ youth.

A lot of LGBTQ+ teens don’t feel they can speak up and come out of the closet or just talk about their emotions, even more contemplate suicide because of their silence. I was once apart of this silence and I was in it again Friday April 12th when the GSA club held a day of silence for those who are silenced in school and all

over the world.

Being silent doesn’t just mean not talking though, it means not being able to be yourself or talk to friends about certain topics, this silence limits you. When I participated I felt 100% limited, I talk a lot naturally because I used to be silenced when I was younger by family members and friends. Now that I have grown older and wiser I have come out as bi and I almost never have the feeling of being silent anymore.

Today’s experience was difficult but for me not talking came easily. There were a few times where I almost slipped up and talked, like bumping into kids in the hallway while trying to get to my class but other than that I successfully stayed silent. I felt accomplished by the end of the day when I thought about how I was about to speak through my silence for those whose voices aren’t heard. I know that, like with anything, there are some who think an action like this “does nothing”, but that isn’t true. Just one person knowing that their struggle is respected is enough. There could be many kids in school that feel/are silent and this day could've been what helped them open up a little more because this was a day where they aren’t alone and their struggle is acknowledged.

All in all, there were over 100 silent participants in the day along with another 130 allies who wore stickers in support. Those were only the people who registered, even more asked to be a part of the activity during the school day. Mr. Aiello, the faculty advisor for the school’s GSA club said, “It is important for our kids to pursue causes that they are passionate about, and really learn what makes this country unique. We are very fortunate to have so many students, faculty and an administration that supported this cause, as many schools are not as lucky. Thank you to everyone who participated to spread awareness to this cause."