Students in the FCTS chapter of SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance) earlier this month participated in The Day of Silence, a student-led national event that brings attention to anti-LGBTQ+ name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools.
Students took a vow of silence in an effort to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBTQ+ behavior by illustrating the silencing effect of bullying and harassment on LGBTQ+ students and those perceived to be LGBTQ+. There was also an opportunity to be a "vocal supporter" and wear a sticker or button that identifies a student as such. There was a display with the stories of people, many of them young, whose voices have been permanently silenced due to violence against LGBTQ+ people.
Over the past years FCTS has had anywhere from 25-40 students and staff participate either by being silent or as a vocal ally.
“This year was a record year for faculty member participation with 17 members of the faculty/administration participating, mostly as vocal supporters, and wearing a sticker that identified them as such,” said Jeremy Mailloux, SAGA advisor.
Mailloux continued, “I believe that the more opportunities for our students to see themselves as accepted, supported, and integral to our school community the better. Ally week in the fall, and the Day of Silence in the spring allow students who may not be part of SAGA to show their support and allyship for people of all sexual and gender identities. This is more important than ever as the federal government rolls back protections for LGBTQ+ people, and especially transgender people. Our students exist and they are proud of who they are. They should not be silenced by their peers or by their government. Luckily Massachusetts and DESE have had guidance supporting student gender and sexuality going back to 2014, and this hasn't changed, but in this climate that is attempting to silent LGBTQ+ voices, it is more important than ever to show our support as allies.”
The Day of Silence has been commemorated every year since at least 2014 when Mailloux joined up as SAGA advisor.
“Many students have fond memories of participating in their middle schools, which often results in a high percentage of ninth graders participating,” he said.