I Have The Right to Remain Silent
Today, I am silent. Today, I mimic our government.
I am silent on the issues of sexism, homophobia, the prejudice against those who are Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered.
I do not scream in the face of the EMT who stopped life-saving procedures on a woman because he realized that she was transgendered.
I stare into his eyes, silent.
I do not lament loudly over the thousands upon thousands who die in the alleys, victims of violent hate crimes.
I watch their blood fill the streets, silent.
I do not curse those who willingly turn their faces from the spreading epidemic of AIDS, from the hate crimes, the daily bullying and teasing of the future leaders of this world.
I stand and face them, silent.
Millions stand with me.
Not just those who have chosen to be silent for a day.
But those whose voices have been forcefully stifled for years-
Ghost voices of our sisters, brothers, friends, nieces, nephews-murdered.
They too are with us.
And together we stand.
Silent.
This was written by Bridget, a great friend of mine.
I post it here in the hopes that today the silence of many will inspire dialogue about these abominable crimes, and the neglect and the ignorance which allows them to continue.