The Rocket

Issue date: 4/13/07 Section: Focus

Media Credit: Nate Daymut [Click to enlarge]

Silence is a very powerful thing.

And, in most cases, it's also louder than words.

Since 1996, students across the nation have been participating in The Day of Silence that is held on April 18 where gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transsexuals and allies will go through the entire day in silence.

There are currently more than 100,000 students across the country participating in The Day of Silence, and at SRU, at least 80 students are going to be silent this year.

The Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transsexuals and Allies group has been in existence at SRU since 1986 and encourages students to share feelings about their sexuality and support those who do likewise.

People who will be silent on April 18 have notified professors and students prior to the day that they will not be talking so they can make proper arrangements for their class periods.

Kelly McBane, 20, a junior theatre major, is the current president of LGBTA and one of the people who initiated The Day of Silence on the SRU campus.

"In my high school, we participated in The Day of Silence," she said. "Three years ago when I came to SRU, I told everyone that it would be a good thing to be involved in and I would even organize it."

Some LGBT members have trouble talking about who they love, and sometimes they lie about it. The Day of Silence helps them find other students who know where they are coming from.

"People can stand out in the quad and scream about what they believe, and no one will listen," she said. "When 80 people are silent for a day, that is when others listen to what we are trying to say and stand for."

There will be a table set up at Weisenfluh Dining Hall where LGBT members will be located to hand out information about the day and the organization.

The majority of people taking part in The Day of Silence are allies who will wear the buttons, colors and shirts with pride, attempting to help people who sometimes can't help themselves.

"There are not a lot of opportunities to fight for your rights," McBane said. "This event gives people a chance."

Continued...

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