Day of Silence and Day of Truth Options

[trunks_girl26]

So, tomorrow is April 26, 2006, also known as the Day of Silence. What the Day of Silence is (from their official website) is:

Now in its tenth year, the Day of Silence, a project of GLSEN® or the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network in collaboration with the United States Student Association (USSA), is a student-led day of action where those who support making anti-LGBT bullying and harassment unacceptable in schools participate in events to recognize and protest the discrimination and harassment—in effect, the silencing—experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students and their allies.

My uni's GSA, of which I'm on the executive board for, is participating in the day of silence for the first time, so I was reading up about it. In my reading, I found what's called to be the Day of Truth, schedualed for April 27, 2006. Here's a quote from their site:

The Day of Truth was established to counter the promotion of the homosexual agenda and express an opposing viewpoint from a Christian perspective.

In the past, students who have attempted to speak against the promotion of the homosexual agenda have been censored or, in some cases, punished for their beliefs. It is important that students stand up for their First Amendment right to hear and speak the Truth about human sexuality in order to protect that freedom for future generations. The Day of Truth provides an opportunity to publicly exercise our free speech rights.

Interesting, ne?

So, I leave you fellow Matazonians with

Day of Silence

vs.

Day of Truth

(and maybe we won't turn this into a 'bash the rightwings' type thread)

Discuss how you'd like, though I am interested in also hearing which you think is more effective and why.

[Saratina]

hmm.

I didn't participate in the Day of Silence because only a few people know that I'm bi, and I'd rather keep it that way. They say you can't be a Christian unless you're straight, but my entire identity is built around my faith.

When talking to Christians who believe homosexuality is a sin, I like to compare it to alcoholism; wanting to drink and actually drinking are two completely different things. Being attracted to your own sex and being involved with your own sex are different things.

Right now all I can say, I guess, is that it's an interesting mix of guilt and frustration. And as for the Day of Truth, I'm sure everyone knows how Christian leaders feel about the issue, so why does there need to be another day devoted to the topic?

[Phyllis]

They say you can't be a Christian unless you're straight, but my entire identity is built around my faith.

That kind of comment kind of frightens me. I don't really know you, but I am sure there is so much more to you than simply your faith. It's just my opinion...but I always thought that someone's faith should fit in with his/her identity, rather than trying to make his/her identity fit within the confines of a religion. But then...I'm not now nor have I ever been a Christian, so maybe I don't fully understand where you're coming from.

And who says you cannot be a Christian if you aren't straight? I don't know a whole lot about Christianity, but I really don't think Jesus would have said such a thing. I think the only people who might say that would be other Christians, who really have no place to be judging you. They all have their own inner struggles with sin. Though whether or not homosexuality is a sin is a different matter. I still really struggle with trying to understand how love could ever be a sin.

When talking to Christians who believe homosexuality is a sin, I like to compare it to alcoholism; wanting to drink and actually drinking are two completely different things. Being attracted to your own sex and being involved with your own sex are different things.

Homosexuality is not a mental illness. It is not an addiction. I really hope you don't think it is. It would make me really sad to see anyone be that self-loathing. It is a natural thing. Though the exact causes are not completely agreed upon it's believed to be a mix of genetic and environmental factors (as mentioned earlier in this thread). I know it must be one hell of a struggle to deal with what the morals you were raised with are telling you conflicting with what you're feeling, though.

And as for the Day of Truth, I'm sure everyone knows how Christian leaders feel about the issue, so why does there need to be another day devoted to the topic?

Nope. There really doesn't.