University students will wear black bandanas across their faces today and observe a day of silence in support of the National Queer Day of Action.
The University’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Alliance will have cards for participants to hand out about the oppression of queer youth and why members are maintaining silence for a day.
“The purpose of the event is to bring a voice to people who don’t have one,” LGBT Educational and Support Services Director Chicora Martin said.
The cards explain the participant is not speaking in silent protest of the discrimination, and challenges people about how they can end the silence.
“The cards are about those who face violence and discrimination because of gender identity,” said LGBTQA publicity coordinator Cat McGraw.
The day of silence project began in 1996 at the University of Virginia.
The LGBTQA is also encouraging participants to attend the Break the Silence rally at 3:30 p.m. today on the lawn at South Eugene High School, 400 E. 19th St. The rally is sponsored by Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.
The event is open to anyone who wants to demonstrate against the “silence queers face,” McGraw said. For more information, call the LGBTQA at 346-3360.
E-mail reporter Robin Weber
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