By Jorge Lopez
Joyful members of the Queer-Straight Alliance gathered last Thursday at the center of the Husky Bowl, located between the E5 and E3 buildings, in observance of a Day of Silence.
“The Day of Silence is a nation-wide event,” said club President Carmen Meza. It is a national youth movement bringing attention to the silence faced by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered people, and those who support them.
Many of the QSA members and their supporters adorned a red and white ribbon around their upper arms. The red ribbon was to show support for those LGBT who are bullied and the white ribbon was for those who passed away from bully-related reasons.
According to the Massachusetts youth risk survey, “Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.”
Quotes like these were placed along the QSA tables. Those who were observing the day of silence, passed out information explaining what the deliberate silence was about. It explained how ending the silence is the first step in building awareness against anti-LGBT bullying, name calling, harassing, and making a commitment to address these injustices and to think about the voices that are not heard today.
The QSA accepted donations and gave out “free hugs.” They also had red velvet cheesecake and carrot cake cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies for sale. All the proceeds and donations will go toward the very first East Los Angeles Pride, a movement comprised of LGBT supporters.
There was also a multi-colored flag being signed by those who felt strongly about the movement and wanted to show support for the Pride movement. These flags are signed and then given to club advisor Christine Rodriguez. There are pride chapters in Long Beach and West Hollywood, but there has never been a faction in East Los Angeles before until now.
Armando Alfaro Secretary of the QSA announced that ELAC would hold its very first Pride Festival in May. “There’s going to be information tables, Drag King and Queen Shows, live bands, a Dry bar,” said Alfaro.
This event will be held on May 12, between the S1 and S2 buildings. Students and supporters are welcome to participate for a donation of five dollars.