Carlmont’s Gay Straight Alliance club encouraged students to participate in the National Day of Silence on April 19 to protest against the bullying of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students.
The GSA handed out name tags and ribbons and organized a dance performance by Sierra Segal and Billy Lash in the quad to promote the event.
There has been a lot of support from Carlmont students with many choosing to remain silent for one class or the whole day.
According to dayofsilence.org, the day was created in 1996 by students from the University of Virginia to represent the silencing of LGBT students. Since then, it has become the largest student-led action with many students participating around the nation.
Kristen Dames, a junior, said, “I want to participate because I feel like too many voices go unheard everyday and it is a very important to raise awareness for all those who are bullied everyday and never speak up or have anyone to speak up for them.”
According to bullyingstatistics.org, nine out of ten LGBT students have been harassed at school, making this a big issue that needs to be heard.
Kalila Kirk, co-president of GSA, said, “Luckily, we live in the Bay Area, one of the most liberal areas in the entire world. So, I believe that students at Carlmont are very open minded and accepting, but not everybody is.”
Some high school students say offensive statements such as “That’s so gay,” and “You’re a faggot,” not realizing the damage to others.
Nicole Galisatus, co-president of GSA, said that people can stand up against LGBT bullying by “being mindful of what you say and speaking out for yourself and for others who may not have the courage to stand up for themselves.”
Even though there are a few people who are not welcoming to the LGBT community, Carlmont is generally accepting to people regardless of their sexuality.
Dames commented, “I don’t think LGBT bullying is as big an issue at Carlmont as it is in other places. Carlmont teachers and the majority of students do what they can to make it an accepting environment.”
If students wish to provide continuous support to the LGBT community, they can come to the GSA meetings on Wednesdays in A4 during lunch.
