Steven Latimer

Today marks the 12th annual "Day of Silence," which is intended to increase awareness of bullying and violence towards students who have a sexual orientation other than "straight." The event always falls somewhere in April and this year's event is in memory of Larry King, the California middle school student who was shot to death in February, allegedly because he asked another male student to be his "valentine."

Anyway, by taking a vow of silence for a day, LGBT students or their allies supposedly raise awareness on the subject matter. I find this reasoning specious. Wouldn't it be more effective to have a day of action, or a day of talk, or something like that? A vow of silence (by its very nature) won't do anything because it is neutral. Besides, can't it be argued also that "anti-gay" people want LGBT people to be silent?

I therefore question the Day of Silence.