Apostolic Friends Forum - GLBT National Day of Silence

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GLBT National Day of Silence

Today marks the GLBT National Day of Silence. I don't know a lot about the reason or history of the day, I just know there are certain colors kids in schools wear to show they support GLBT rights - my sister said this years' color is red.

If you have kids, or know any in school, please post. I'd be interested in what happens in their school today.

Re: National Day of Silence

I saw the thread title.
A national day of silence.

My first thought was:

I must tell my wife about this ! j/k

Re: National Day of Silence

blah blah blah blah

thats me not being silent.

Re: National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by freeatlast (Post 738142)

I saw the thread title.
A national day of silence.

My first thought was:

I must tell my wife about this ! j/k

:spit :ursofunny

Re: National Day of Silence

I have a story to post when I have time on break ... my sister and her husband are close friends with a couple whose daughter was involuntarily singled out in class last week.

Needless to say, her father has contacted the school and is after the liberal teacher who allowed the situation to happen.

But alas, you'll have to wait about 10 minutes for the story...

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

My sister was telling me that last week, a daughter of a couple they're close to was in a class where a group from the anti-defamation league came in to ask questions. The teacher is very liberal and allowed the group class time.

It began about race, but then they wanted to play a game, where kids who answered questions one way would be on one side of the classroom, and others who answered the questions another way were placed on the other side of the room.

This is where it went south...

They began asking questions like, do you have glbt friends? Do you support glbt rights? How would you feel if you had two moms (or two dads).

She was the only person on one side of the room - all the other classmates were on the side opposite her, affirming their support of glbt rights.

As stated before, her parents are furious. Her father called the school and has requested to meet with the principal and teacher involved.

I find it ironic that this "anti-defamation" group, whose goal is to end discrimination and prejudice, singled out this young girl because of her belief.

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

What is GLBT national day of silence? *clueless*

...*edit*....OHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhh....GAY LESBIAN BISEXUAL TRANSGENDER?????????????????????

THAT GLBT??????

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

You mean all the gay and gay supporters are going to be silent for a day???

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D:D:D:D:D

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

From last years NDOS ...

Last year, my 16 year old nephew didn't get the memo about what color to wear/not wear. Unfortunately he unknowingly wore a color of support and had to defend himself against some other kids.

During lunch a few boys came up to him accusing him of being gay and supporting GLBT, said they wanted to meet him outside after school. He ignored them.

After school, he noticed they were waiting outside as promised. So he walked on by, listening to his music and paying no attention. They weren't too happy about that, so while one kid video'd the confrontation (they were going to post to YouTube later), the others started pushing him and tried getting him to stop. He kept going. So they kept knocking into him and slapping his head to try to get him mad. Finally the instigator grabbed his arm and tried punching my nephew ... who ducked, and in view of parents (his mom didn't see it happen), teachers and other students, pulled back (with his backpack and guitar strapped to his back) and layed the kid out with one punch.

Then he turned his music back on and walked away.

He was suspended for a few days for fighting. Were it not for the video of the confrontation showing he acted in self-defense, he may have been kicked out of school and arrested for assault according to the principal. The other kids were given suspensions from a few days to over a week for the instigator - who has a history of fights.

From last year to this year, things have changed. Several schools here have "encouraged" students to support GLBT rights by allowing activists time in classrooms (such as the story above) and school assemblies.

It appears Mtv has gone in on this NDOS event with another cable channel, LOGO (I believe LOGO is a GLBT channel).

There is a massive assault going on right now against our kids and beliefs, and it's being pushed by the public school system and the biggest teen tv channel, Mtv.

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissBrattified (Post 738172)

What is GLBT national day of silence? *clueless*

...*edit*....OHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhh....GAY LESBIAN BISEXUAL TRANSGENDER?????????????????????

THAT GLBT??????

Yep

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by seguidordejesus (Post 738175)

You mean all the gay and gay supporters are going to be silent for a day???

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D:D:D:D:D

From the national NDOS website ...

Quote:

The National Day of Silence brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. Each year the event has grown, now with hundreds of thousands of students coming together to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior.

From the FAQ's page ...

Quote:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Day of Silence®?
The Day of Silence is a student-led national event that brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. Students from middle school to college take some form of a vow of silence in an effort to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior. The event is designed to illustrate the silencing effect of this bullying and harassment on LGBT students and those perceived to be LGBT.

What is GLSEN®?
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established nationally in 1995, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. For more information on GLSEN’s educational resources, public policy agenda, student organizing programs, research, public education or development initiatives, visit www.glsen.org

Who started the Day of Silence?
In 1996, students at the University of Virginia organized the first Day of Silence in response to a class assignment on non-violent protests. Over 150 students participated in this inaugural DOS. In 1997, organizers took their effort nationally and nearly 100 colleges and universities participated. In 2001, GLSEN became the official organizational sponsor for the event.

Has the Day of Silence been successful?
In 2008, hundreds of thousands of students from more than 8,000 K-12 schools, colleges and universities organized Day of Silence events. These numbers make the Day of Silence one of the largest student-led actions in the United States. The event has drawn significant attention to LGBT issues in schools over the years. For example, GLSEN spokespersons have appeared on national media outlets and there has always been extensive local media coverage from coast to coast, with numerous interviews with students.

Why do we need a Day of Silence?
Two of the top three reasons students said their peers were most often bullied at school were actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender expression, according to From Teasing to Torment: School Climate in America, a 2005 report by GLSEN and Harris Interactive.

GLSEN’s 2007 National School Climate Survey found that nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT students report verbal, sexual or physical harassment at school and more than 30% report missing at least a day of school in the past month out of fear for their personal safety. The Day of Silence helps bring us closer to making anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and name-calling unacceptable in America’s schools. For more information see: ‘How To Get What You Want With An Ask’ [PDF]

I'm in middle school. Can I organize a Day of Silence at my school?
The Day of Silence can logistically be organized in any school, public or private, middle school, high school or college. However, in middle and high schools, getting support from the school administration is critical. Students should not assume that administrators would not support their efforts--even if they have not supported LGBT issues in the past--because it's always important to ask and provide information to win support. Read more about getting administrative support in the Day of Silence Organizing Manual [PDF].

Do I have a right to participate in the Day of Silence?
You DO have a right to participate in Day of Silence and other expressions of your opinion at a public school during non-instructional time: the breaks between classes, before and after the school day, lunchtime, and any other free times during your day. You do NOT have a right to remain silent during class time if a teacher asks you to speak. We recommend that you talk to your teachers ahead of time, tell them what you plan to do, and ask them if it would be okay for you to communicate on that day in writing. (ACLU)

How do the Day of Silence activities affect the school day?
GLSEN advises students interested in participating to discuss their intentions with their administration and teachers long before the event. The day is most successful when schools and students work together to show their commitment to ensuring safe schools for all students. Many schools allow students’ participation throughout the day. Some schools ask students to speak as they normally would during class and remain silent during breaks and at lunch. There is no single way to participate, and students are encouraged to take part in the way that is the most positive and uplifting for their school. Students may also participate in “Breaking the Silence” rallies, events at which students come together at the day’s end to express themselves and share their experiences with members of their local communities.

What other things can I do to create an effective Day of Silence?
An important part of the Day of Silence is creating educational opportunities before and/or after the event. Many people will be affected by this event, and will want to know more about the silence LGBT people and their allies face. Good follow-up events include: workshops, speakers, entertainment, or any other venue for evaluation, education, and discussion.

I want to help organize this regionally and nationally. What can I do?
Great! There are several ways you can become more involved. The first step is simply signing-up for the day of silence on www.dayofsilence.org. Next you can contact a local student organizer (on the www.studentorganizing.org home page under the yellow tab "get support") and inform them of all you’re doing locally. They can help you do more in your city, state or region, and become more connected.

Why should I register?
GLSEN encourages participants to register and be counted. In order to promote the Day of Silence’s positive impact, we need to know how many people participate. Many critics wish to downplay the number of people who support addressing the problem of anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment. By registering, you are helping us prove that this is an important issue that needs to be addressed.
Register here and be counted!

Can you send my school a packet of materials for the Day of Silence?
Certainly! Simply register online at www.dayofsilence.org and we’ll happily add you to our mailing list to receive resources and support.

What happens if my school doesn't support the effort?
GLSEN advises all students to secure school permission for the event. We believe that such support is critical for many reasons. We encourage students in those schools where support is unlikely to build campaigns to try and secure that support or work with their administration on compromises of activities the school will allow. We also encourage students to identify events and ways to participate outside of the school.

If your administration does not support an official Day of Silence event there are alternative activities that you can engage in. Please refer to: “Tips for the Last Minute Organizer or Those Whose Administration Has Said No” [PDF].

Does the work end after the day is over?
The Day of Silence is one element of a larger effort to create safe schools for all students regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. Many communities, in addition to supporting the Day of Silence, host Breaking The Silence events, rallies, legislative lobby days, performances and more – both on the Day of Silence and all year round. We are also asking our national leaders to support policies that create safe schools for all. Many communities are asking their local and state leaders to support and implement similar policies. You can get connected to an ongoing national effort by registering your GSA with GLSEN at www.studentorganizing.org.

What do you have to say about potential opponents to the Day of Silence?
The issue at hand is the bullying, harassment, name-calling and violence that students see and face in our schools. The Day of Silence is an activity created and led by students to educate their peers and bring an end to this harassment.

We look forward to engaging all organizations and individuals who share The Day of Silence vision of schools free from anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment.

Those who do not support the Day of Silence often protest, but rarely contribute positively to finding ways to end anti-LGBT harassment. Some individuals and groups organize events in response to the Day of Silence. These events grossly mischaracterize or simply misunderstand the basic purpose of the Day of Silence. Bringing attention to these events only adds a false credibility to their misinformation about the Day of Silence, GLSEN and the thousands of American students taking action on April 17th. If you face hostile students or organizations in your school on the Day of Silence remember to remain calm. We encourage you to not get into a debate, make gestures, and certainly not to get into a physical altercation. If you continue to be harassed, we encourage you to contact your GSA advisor or other ally school staff person.

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

blah blah blah blah....

once my boys are in school, I suspct they will be sick on this day.

God help the teacher/principle who allows my boys to be bullied by these people.

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

It's not right for a girl to be singled out and embarrassed for her views. It's not right for a boy to be assaulted for being (mistakenly, as it turned out) gay or for supporting gay rights. Both sides need to chill.

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timmy (Post 738196)

I should say some people on both sides need to chill! :thumbsup

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

We had a "Wear Pink Shirt day" in Canada a month or two ago.
It was to support a gay boy back east who was bullied & beat up for wearing pink!

I told the teachers of my kids classes, "It ain't going to happen!"

They respected my decision!

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron (Post 738208)

Good! More respect is needed, all 'round. :thumbsup

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timmy (Post 738196)

I agree. Harrassment or abuse from both sides isn't right. I find it interesting the shift that has happened in the past year. Whereas my nephew was harrassed for unknowingly wearing the wrong color shirt that gave support to glbt, this year it's turned and kids are looked down on for NOT supporting glbt causes.

Unfortunately, Mtv and the organization behind NDOS have had success in changing student opinion and support for their cause.

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

What's the color today?

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Bullying is always bad. Christians who bully others simply because they're in a sinful lifestyle aren't behaving like Christians.

That said--I'm SO glad we homeschool.

I know of a parent who pulled her son from 6th grade because he walked in the boys' bathroom and saw two boys making out with each other. Another incident that occurred--a boy who was openly gay (again--this is 6th grade we're talking about), "goosed" the boy we know, and ________ hit him. When the principal called the boy who defended himself into the office, he was too embarrassed to give the reason for hitting, so he was disciplined, and the boy who was hit (for good reason) was not disciplined. (And obviously didn't 'fess up.)

I am glad we can deal with these issues on our own terms, according to the kids' maturity. We can educate our children on sinful lifestyles and choices without our children having to actually encounter interactive smut in middle school.

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by n david (Post 738247)

Why is it unfortunate? Does it hurt you or your children if homosexuality is not thought of, in the general public, as evil?

(In case you haven't seen my posts on this topic before, I am of the opinion that homosexuality is not wrong. It's not a sin. God doesn't care about it. The Bible is wrong about it. Just as wrong as it was about eating shellfish being a sin, or mixing types of thread in clothing, requiring parents to have their kids killed if they were disobedient. People made up a lot of things and attributed it to God, back then as they do today. IMO! ;))

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timmy (Post 738259)

God's moral laws do not change!:thumbsup

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgcraig (Post 738255)

What's the color today?

My nephew said signs around his school identified it as red.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timmy (Post 738259)

Why is it unfortunate? Does it hurt you or your children if homosexuality is not thought of, in the general public, as evil?

(In case you haven't seen my posts on this topic before, I am of the opinion that homosexuality is not wrong. It's not a sin. God doesn't care about it. The Bible is wrong about it. Just as wrong as it was about eating shellfish being a sin, or mixing types of thread in clothing, requiring parents to have their kids killed if they were disobedient. People made up a lot of things and attributed it to God, back then as they do today. IMO! ;))

We would definitely disagree on this issue. The bolded part is a problem, imo. I would believe the Bible in any case - to not do so will result badly for you, my friend.

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timmy (Post 738259)

You have the right to be wrong. And your opinions don't hurt my children--because by the time they are adults, I will have thoroughly educated them in what scripture has to say on the issue (and many others), the infallibility of God's Word, and what foundation their life should be built upon--the Word of God. :thumbsup

However, being exposed to open sinful acts can be harmful to small psyches, and I intend to protect the innocence of my children as long as possible. They will learn about immorality soon enough, without having to stumble upon fornication, homosexuality and effeminence in their school. (as well as many other sinful actions)

I prefer for this home to be a haven from the world, as well as an environment that supports healthy exploration, education and enrichment. We do not need corrupt influences in order to turn out well-rounded children. In fact, the BIBLE says that evil communications corrupt good manners. Exposing an immature child to evil influences seems like a bad idea to me.

The job of a parent is to equip their child with tools--not push them into battle to get actual experience (often before they even have sword in hand.)

So, being exposed to sin in a graphic nature IS harmful to children, IMO. Especially when it is given no context by a mature adult. Preferably that adult will be a parent who cares about the child, and wants to instill moral values and character, rather than a political agenda.

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron (Post 738260)

God's moral laws do not change!:thumbsup

It's your opinion that they are God's laws. And it's a groundless opinion (in my opinion ;)).

And where is the breakdown of which laws are moral and which are ceremonial?

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by n david (Post 738261)

My nephew said signs around his school identified it as red.

We would definitely disagree on this issue. The bolded part is a problem, imo. I would believe the Bible in any case - to not do so will result badly for you, my friend.

No, it won't.

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timmy (Post 738270)

No, it won't.

How do you know? :coffee2

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissBrattified (Post 738266)

You have the right to be wrong. And your opinions don't hurt my children--because by the time they are adults, I will have thoroughly educated them in what scripture has to say on the issue (and many others), the infallibility of God's Word, and what foundation their life should be built upon--the Word of God. :thumbsup

However, being exposed to open sinful acts can be harmful to small psyches, and I intend to protect the innocence of my children as long as possible. They will learn about immorality soon enough, without having to stumble upon fornication, homosexuality and effeminence in their school. (as well as many other sinful actions)

I prefer for this home to be a haven from the world, as well as an environment that supports healthy exploration, education and enrichment. We do not need corrupt influences in order to turn out well-rounded children. In fact, the BIBLE says that evil communications corrupt good manners. Exposing an immature child to evil influences seems like a bad idea to me.

The job of a parent is to equip their child with tools--not push them into battle to get actual experience (often before they even have sword in hand.)

So, being exposed to sin in a graphic nature IS harmful to children, IMO. Especially when it is given no context by a mature adult. Preferably that parent will be an adult who cares about the child, and wants to instill moral values and character, rather than a political agenda.

My parents "thoroughly educated" me, too, but look what happened! :heeheehee

And you, too, have the right to be wrong! :lol And some of the GLBT movement is overzealous -- even way over, at times. That isn't right, either, when it interferes with your right to teach your kids your own values. :friend

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timmy (Post 738196)

I will be teaching my boys that there is never a good reason to bully a person and if someone is being bullied to stand up for them. even if that person is gay or what ever.

there are no excuses. But dont start with the gay agenda and tell kids that it isnt ok to think homosexuality is a sin.

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissBrattified (Post 738272)

How do you know? :coffee2

I don't, actually. I should have added "IMO". :lol

But nobody knows. You don't know for sure that you have guessed right. Muslims don't know for sure, Mormans, Hindus, you name it. They have all guessed what to believe (or just followed their parents, without questioning it). They can't all be right. But they may all be wrong!

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferd (Post 738276)

I will be teaching my boys that there is never a good reason to bully a person and if someone is being bullied to stand up for them. even if that person is gay or what ever.

there are no excuses. But dont start with the gay agenda and tell kids that it isnt ok to think homosexuality is a sin.

And the problems arise when calling homosexuality a sin is then called "bullying."

If a high school boy can come to school dressed flamboyantly gay, and proclaim his feelings for his boyfriend, and they can make out in front of their classmates, then a Christian child should have the equal freedom to speak up and say that those are wrong acts in the sight of God without fear of reprisal from the school staff or any other organization.

The truth is, their agenda does not just include freedom for themselves, but they want to change everyone else's MIND about it as well, and are angry when they can't. The very people who claim to be all about diversity, are really very narrow minded.

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timmy (Post 738279)

Well, for one thing, the Word agrees with the Spirit of God within me!
A lot of times that Word & Spirit rubs my flesh the wrong way!

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissBrattified (Post 738284)

I agree with the principles you give, here. Everyone should be allowed to have their own opinions, and to express them without repercussions.

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timmy (Post 738279)

Timmy, it isn't true that nobody knows. I think that you assume since you don't know, that the rest of us can't either. ;)

But you're wrong about that.

Psalm 135:5 For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.

I John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
I John 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
I John 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
I John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

The truth is, Timmy, that I KNOW who He is. I may only know in part, but I still KNOW. :) I am truly sorry that you don't share that confidence.

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissBrattified (Post 738284)

exactly. No one has the freedom to behave inappropreatly in public. yet that seems to be what some of these people want.

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by n david (Post 738114)

Be nice if they made it a whole year

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissBrattified (Post 738297)

You really don't see the circularness of this reasoning? :blink

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timmy (Post 738319)

You really don't see the circularness of this reasoning? :blink

Timmy, you know if I said in a courtroom today that, "I talked to God!"
That would most likely earn me a 72 hour lock down at Vancouver General Hospital for a Psyche evaluation & a Thorazine drip!

To an Apostolic that is normal because God is real!
It is the natural man that wanders around with welding goggles on telling people it isn't light out!:thumbsup

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron (Post 738333)

I have never denied God's existence. But it does not follow that, since He is "real", He must therefore speak to people, nor that people can know when (and if) He does.

You might be interested in When God Speaks in Deep Waters. Maybe you have a good way of determining whether what you hear is really God, or something else, and/or have an opinion on whether that even matters.

Edit: oh, you said "I talked to God". I misread it. But, anyway, God does talk to you at times, I'd guess?

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timmy (Post 738343)

It is like this, in matters of morality God never changes.
If murder is against God's law in the begining, it is against God's Law now & forever shall be.
As for Homosexuality, it is worse, it is an abomination.

Re: GLBT National Day of Silence

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron (Post 738358)

Worse than murder. Mmmmmkay.