As chatter of weekend plans, homework assignments and gossip flow through the halls of Baldwin High School Friday, BHS senior Shannon Gerstner will be sitting in silence.
Gerstner is one of many high school and college students nationwide taking a vow of silence Friday.
On the National Day of Silence, students take a vow not to speak in order to raise awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues.
“The Day of Silence is an annual event that basically symbolizes the silence that is brought on to LGBT individuals just because of their sexual orientation,” said Joylin Hall, Baker University Gay-Straight Alliance president.
Students participating in the event will spend the day in silence distributing cards explaining the reason they are not speaking.
GSA is hosting a Breaking the Silence party at 3:30 p.m. in the Harter Union Lobby, where participants can speak for the first time.
“It’s just basically a time to celebrate and reflect on the day,” GSA adviser Matthew Potterton said. “I’m sure many of them will talk about some of their experiences and celebrate those who have fought for LGBT issues in the past and continue to fight now.”
Students participating in the Day of Silence from Baldwin High School are also invited to join the party.
With the help of the Baker GSA chapter, Gerstner hopes to start a GSA at Baldwin High School.
Gerstner has been attending the Baker GSA meetings, and hopes to educate students about the Day of Silence at Baldwin High School through an informational table.
However, since a GSA group has not been fully established, Gerstner may not be able to distribute information about the cause.
Gerstner said 20 to 30 students are still planning to take a vow of silence.
“I’m surprised by how much interest there (is),” Gerstner said. “Because, honestly, I didn’t think … that we would have as many enthusiastic kids as we have, but there are a lot of people who are interested.”
The Baker GSA group will have a booth in the Harter Union Lobby Friday to provide more information about the Day of Silence and pass out rainbow ribbons for students, faculty and staff to wear.
Hall said while running the booth, she enjoys being silent and motioning for people to help support the cause.
“It’s just fun to be able to spread awareness and to get people excited about that, and see how many people there are participating,” Hall said.
GSA will be hosting a bake sale in the Harter Union Lobby during lunch and dinner Wednesday. The proceeds will go toward bringing Tom Goss, a gay singer-songwriter, to Baker.
