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04/24/2008
The 'truth' is that their day is disturbingly offensive
Even though they are encouraging a two-fold strategy in which parents first keep their kids home from school on Friday to shield them from the pro-acceptance Day of Silence and then turn around and hold a day of counterprotest on the following Monday, our opposition is continuing to present the pro-gay vs. anti-gay public school divide in a way that makes it seem as if the former is being the "disruptive" one. This is how Focus on the Family's CitizenLink presents the situation:
On Monday, students from across the country will stand together on the fourth annual Day of Truth to support honest discussions about homosexuality.
The event comes three days after GLSEN's (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) Day of Silence, which disrupts class by encouraging students to remain silent throughout the day in honor of homosexual people who feel silenced.
Mike Ensley, youth analyst for Exodus International, said the Day of Truth is about opening dialogue.
“I would encourage Christian students to brainstorm what they want to do, how they want to respond,” he said. “It’s not about being adversarial to the gay-identified students or organizations on campus. It’s about helping people understand what their attitude really is towards their fellow students.”
Students are asked to pass out cards after class and wear T-shirts that encourage honest conversation about homosexuality.
But what are these "non-adversarial" cards and T-Shirts REALLY saying? Well...
That's right -- they are telling kids that despite the lack of scientific backing, there is "freedom to change" from homosexuality if one wants. And they don't see how maybe, just maybe, this might be seen as "disruptive" to the gay students, children of gay parents, science teachers, or any straight allies who have chosen to put reason over faith-based rhetoric? And not only disruptive to the school day, but instead disruptive to the very cores of people's beings!!!
We always say that one of the most annoying aspects of our opposition is their sheer non-desire to own their bullshit. And this is just more of the same. They are not seeking "honest conversation" and dialogue. They are trying to reshape a conversation because they don't like the way fact, progress, and tolerance are steering the narrative for the nation's young people.
Students Encouraged to Stand Strong on Day of Truth [CitizenLink]
Your thoughts
Why is a day of silence disruptive to these people?
Posted by: IanC | Apr 24, 2008 2:02:39 PM
What I wouldn't give for someone to approach me with one of those cards. "let's talk?" Sure, I'd *love* to.
Posted by: zortnac | Apr 24, 2008 2:05:56 PM
I forgot to comment: I find it so incredibly offensive when commentary sources like FotF, AFA, etc, downplay the harasment and violence that many queer people face. Usually you see words like "alleged," in articles that use choice phrases like "alleged persecution," "alleged harassment," or "alleged bullying." Is it just because the murder of a queer youth is still so recent that they toned down their downplaying with the phrase: "homosexual people who feel silenced?"
Why is it SO hard for these folks to describe it for what it is? Sure, there are people on our end who write about this harassment in ways that some social-conservatives might consider exaggerated or over-embellished, and fine, that's their opinion, but do they think that the proper response to exaggeration of something is to completely cast doubt on whether or not it actually occurs?
It's so frustratingly offensive, given the serious nature of what it is that they downplay and deny. Their Day of Truth is an exercise in irony.
Posted by: zortnac | Apr 24, 2008 2:45:01 PM
I'm completely for a week of silence. Mostly so the kids that stay home from school can get unexcused abbesses all in one week. Then, they can learn their lessons once and get over it with. If one day is so effective, thing of what a week will do. :)
Posted by: PodJumper | Apr 24, 2008 6:45:41 PM
I'm sorry if this sounds like me being all "I love england" but you guys seriously need some government based direction on this issue. Whether its discrimination laws like we have in this country or something else, I think that it's wrong that people are allowed to state thats its possible for people to change, in our schools, people can think this, but it would be completely unacceptable to say so.
In fact there is no where in the world it should be possible to say thing without evidence - The testiment of ex-gays are not enough, I think that they would have to under go something a little more rigourous.
I would say that ex-gays are mainly bisexual, and trying to deny their duel attractions, and more research should be done for them, because I worry that people, especially young people, will get mentally scarred for life because of it, and its hard enough being an LBGT youth as it is.
Sorry for the essay, but what happens in America does affect the world, and just like scientology's progress in the UK, I wonder whether the ex-gay movement will spread?
Yours sincerely,
Corvidae
Posted by: Corvidae | Apr 24, 2008 8:05:07 PM
Corvidae: What exactly is the status of the "ex-gay" movement there? Does the movement even exist in any recognizable way?
From just analyzing the movement, I know that there is a presence. I'm just wondering the majority of the population is even aware of it?
Posted by: G-A-Y | Apr 24, 2008 8:10:51 PM
The ex-gay movement in the UK and The Netherlands (countries where I have lived) is as good as non-existent. At least in the public eye. Let's hope it stays that way.
The only people that seem remotely interested in it are the 'ex-gays' themselves and gays & lesbians who keep watch. The press and general public waste no time on this at all. i am yet to read the first serious article about ex-gays in the UK. Some things have been written about Exodus in the US though, but nothing of any significance from the UK or Netherlands that I know of. The joy of a society that values EVERYONE'S right to their own life.
Posted by: Dutchcloggie | Apr 28, 2008 11:33:13 AM
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