LGBT supporters spend day in silence

Bound in silence, Colin Hammar, a junior music major, tried to communicate the loneliness and helplessness many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning people experience daily Friday during the Day of Silence.

"I think most everyone who was silent for the day found it to be a very difficult experience," Hammar said. "Not being able communicate with words really secludes someone within himself. You really feel alone even when surrounded by people."

Supportive students and faculty stayed silent or wore T-shirts and pins in support of the cause. About 15 students wore red bandanas to protest anti-LGBT speech and action.

"I was astounded at the people that did not know what the term LGBT means, but other than that I was very impressed with how members of Advocates for Equality really showed their dedication by standing there all day," said Jordan Toy, a junior communication major.

About eight students stood at the fountain, bandanas covering their mouths, holding signs speaking for them about the abuse, prejudice and harassment facing LGBT.

"I think ... we really got to people and put it right there in front of their faces and made people realize the harm that hate speech can do," Toy said.

Friday's Day of Silence was the closing event to the Cause of Silence week. From film discussions to participation in Human Rights Day, the Advocates for Equality student group spent more than 200 hours planning and executing the events.

"A group of friends and myself created the organization ... to help bring awareness and visibility to the LGBT community as well as advocate and educate people about the need for inclusion and equality," Hammar said.

The Day of Silence came to a close with a "Breaking the Silence" ceremony, where ISU President Daniel J. Bradley and keynote speaker Doddie Stone presented.

"I was proud to see President Bradley join us for the 'Breaking the Silence' ceremony," said Cody Mason, a freshman art major.

Bradley spoke about the culture change necessary for equality and the tolerance students need to exhibit in order for a better campus.

Mason said he understands what effect taunting and teasing of LGBT individuals can have.

"I know how hard it is not only to 'come out,' but also to hear what you are or who you are … be slandered on a regular basis," Mason said. "I chose to participate for those of us who are still silenced by fear. It is a horrible thing to grow up thinking there is something wrong about yourself because of hateful slurs and others' fear."

One of the most memorable parts for Hammar was the reading of the names and stories of LGBT hate crime victims.

"It gave a sense of reality to why we were out there all day, and really forced us to think about those who have been silenced by hate speech and violence," Hammar said.

Aaron Owens, a freshman English teaching major and Roman Catholic Christian from a conservative county, is also a member of Advocates for Equality.

"I support love," Owens said. "It is my belief that we need to demand and establish equality in America."

Despite the anti-hate message the Advocates for Equality were sending and the support they received, the existing prejudice and intolerance on campus shined through.

"There were a few people that were being rude by taunting us, and there was a group tossing a Frisbee in between us," Owens said. "Those of us that were being silent decided to ignore them and not give in because that would ruin our message."

The resources available to the campus were well received overall, Owens said, with people after the event joining the cause and getting information on teen suicide prevention and marriage equality.

"We may not be where we want to be, but I feel we are improving both as a society and in terms of government tolerance," Owens said. "I really do believe that America will improve immensely within our generation's time."