Clarification

[activist85.livejournal.com]

I realize that some people object to Day of Silence thinking that being silent is detrimental to the LGBTQ community. I could not agree more. However, the Day of Silence was founded on the idea that complete, very publicized silence by queer people and straight allies actually gets a large amount of attention to the issues. Unfortunately, the greater society tends to view high school-age youth in particular as apatheic, so to see so many youth caring enough about this to take a visible stand for a day makes the point to most adults quite successfully.

Additionally, Day of Silence Student Organizers (such as myself) fully encourage all our contacts to go beyond simply participating. (For some in very hostile schools, only being silent and giving the reasons may have its own reward in raising people's awareness and spark discussion of what support is needed.) We want all participating schools to choose an issue significant to them to use Day of Silence as campaign strategy for, either to show support or show need for change. People can "ask" (actually forcibly advocate for) to make curricula LGBTQ inclusive, to have sexual orientation and gender identity/expression added to their school's anti-discrimination policy, to form a GSA, to have a faculty training on LGBTQ-issues, or to enforce punishment for inappropriate language....it is entirely up to the students organizing it to decide what will work best for them, but at NO time are students EVER told that being silent without publicity AND a solid action plan will help them.

Additionally, events like the Breaking the Silence rally help in getting our voices heard. So join us next Wednesday...it's only a ride on the Red Line away!

If you have further concerns, questions, or comments, please let me know.

Public Service Announcement

[fidgetmonster.livejournal.com]

I originally posted this in my journal, then realised it should probably go in this community as well. Sorry those who have to read it twice.


Street Cleaning in Somerville has resumed! I was wondering why everyone on my street was getting towed the other day, and then saw the cleaner go by several times, making sure he was giving the street a good scrubbing.

The Good News: This means even the city believes it will not snow anymore.

The Bad News: The city will tow your ass! Given the "fiscal crisis" Somerville is charging the maximum allowed by the state for towing, which is $75 for the tow, and $20 for storage. Plus whatever ticket you get too, for obstrucing the street cleaner, which is I think $25.

So make note of when street cleaning is in your Ward, and move your car! If you happen to get towed, give me a call and I'll drive you to Pat's to pick up your cah.

( more on towing, particularly in Somerville and Cambridge, according to the Somerville Journal )