How many times have you heard someone say gay but understood the word to be used as a synonym for dumb, cheesy or lame? Maybe you have never thought about it. Maybe you did not think it was your place to correct them. Maybe you wonder why it is a big deal.

The same disrespect and ignorance that is associated with other, more commonly frowned-upon slurs lies in homosexual slurs: the not-so-subtle undertone that being gay is negative and shameful.

We’ve all heard that words are the root of violence. I think it goes deeper than that; I think stereotypes are the root of violence. If we didn’t judge or stereotype people, there wouldn’t be a need to verbally belittle someone or create an altercation in the first place. Words bring these stereotypes to life.

Using the word “gay” negatively has the possibility to influence others, like the kid who is looking for acceptance and wants to be considered cool. That’s how bullies are created. Also, the kid who is not quite comfortable allowing their outside to match their inside. A negative choice of words creates a complex and can push them away from inclusion.

Have you ever thought something was wrong but wouldn’t admit it because you’d never hear the end of it? You might have even liked the person being teased, but only when nobody was around. If you have experienced the need to remain silent in fear of the backlash, you’ve experienced a version of the silence the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning community is forced to face on a daily basis.

On April 17, 2009 UW-Platteville’s Alliance will recognize a Day of Silence  in honor of those who are forced into silence, in a nonviolent defiance to those who force the silence. Last year’s Day of Silence was spent remembering Lawrence King, a 15 year old shot in the head by the man he asked to be his Valentine. When I was 15, the farthest thing from my mind was being killed by a classmate.

We have come a long way since Harvey Milk was fighting for rights. Some people are becoming more open minded, but in the past decade there has been more of an active legal revolt against the GLBTQ Community than ever before. Same sex marriage or anything similar has been banned in over half the states in this country of so-called freedom. Hate crimes have risen to such great heights that we have to create special laws to deter violence. The time has come to stand together, celebrate diversity, and stomp out ignorance and hate.

This year, The Alliance welcomes you to stand with us as we publicly announce that hate, bullying and harassment will not be tolerated on this campus, in this community and in our presence, period. We will be walking out of class and gathering outside the PSC at 11 a.m. where we will acknowledge and remember those who have lost their lives in this brutal fight for acceptance.

Rebecca Wonder
wonderr@uwplatt.edu