On Friday, April 27, UTM students and SPECTRUM (Sexuality, Pride, Education, Trust, Respect and Unity at Martin) are joining together with communities all across the country in a day of silence to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people whose voices are silenced because of harassment and violence.
Beginning at 8 a.m., students will vow to stay silent until the silence breaking ceremony at 5 p.m., wearing an X over their lips in red or black lipstick, or face paint, to symbolize the abuse the LGBTQ+ community faces. Students can also carry speaking cards explaining why they are devoted to the day of silence. It is not mandatory to wear the X or carry speaking cards; SPECTRUM encourages students to demonstrate participation however they feel comfortable.
“LGBT+ identities throughout history have been poorly documented and represented, despite lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons existing for as long as straight persons have. By bringing the Day of Silence to UT Martin, SPECTRUM intends to elevate the visibility of these voices, even if we do not always have the volume to make them heard,” said Morgan Robertson, the current student SPECTRUM president.
The annual day of silence was created by GLSEN, an education organization dedicated to creating safe and inclusive K-12 grade schools. The SPECTRUM club is hosting the event on campus as well as a ceremony in the Centennial Circle.
SPECTRUM encourages students who participate to bring a piece of poetry, writing or personal experiences to share during the ceremony, that has a special meaning to them.
“SPECTRUM is making the effort to make the campus community aware that public work still needs to be done to address an issue that normally has a difficult time making itself known,” said Robertson.
Since the day of silence occurs during school hours, students should consult their professors in advance to determine if remaining silent during classes will affect class participation.
“Silence does not last forever if we do not let it.”
