Across the nation yesterday, students and teachers joined efforts in the largest gay, bisexual, lesbian and transgender (GBLT) youth event of 1999. 

Participants wore tape over their mouth and t-shirts supporting the day, and handed out flyers in support of the rights of these people.

The goal was to represent, through their personal silence, the continuing silence imposed on people of alternative sexual orientation. Richard 
Thomas, ASU student supporting the cause, said, they will get “more attention by saying nothing and handing out fliers; more people will notice.”

More and more national attention is being focused on crimes against gays. This week, President Clinton spoke to Congress about expanding the coverage of hate crimes to include those based on sexual orientation. The proposed Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 1999 is being fueled by the realization of the extensive nature of hate crimes in our country, which would provide federal protection for GBLT individuals.

Locally, violence isn’t prevelant, but in the past few years, it was an issue ASU had to deal with. 

In response to BGLADD painting the tunnel in 1996 came death threats on answering machines, among other negative actions taken against members of the group.

“There are elements in the population [of ASU] that are hostile,” Thomas said.  This hostility creates fear in those it is directed against, hence their silence.

“Sexuality is natural,” said Sarah Lewinter, a silent participant. According to her, “People are people, and there is no justification for disrespecting human life.” 

The silence GLBT people endure extends into all aspects of life; even something as simple as walking down the street holding hands is enough to 
elicit scrutiny. 

Angela Parker, president of the ASU chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) said, “An example of this silencing may be the inability to hold a partner’s hand in public or show affection, having to refer to your life partner as your roommate to a potential landlord.”

William Doubraski II waited on silent participants yesterday at Tradewinds and commented, “I’m stoked on it. I’m glad they’re doing it. It’s a good cause,” he said.

“The whole point is to think about the voices you aren’t hearing,” said Lewinter.