The Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) participated in the annual “Day of Silence” on Friday, April 16, bringing awareness to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community.
The "Day of Silence" is a national event that Franklin Pierce has been participating in since GSA began. Awareness ribbons and cards were handed out to students and faculty the day before the event. Students could participate by staying silent for the entire day or for however long they felt comfortable.
“I’m Vice President and I am gay and I’m openly gay on campus,” said freshman Gabriel Vega. “I’ve been in the closet until basically when I went to college and this is the first time I’ve ever gotten involved with something like this. To be able to express myself and say I’m gay and I’m okay with it and challenge society—I love it.”
In the past, members have gotten together during the afternoon for a ceremonial "Breaking the Silence" where they shared stories about their personal experiences. Many of the members have been active in GSA awareness events prior to Franklin Pierce.
“I was always in GSA in high school. It was weird because even though people think that they’re okay with gays or lesbians they’re really not…deep down a lot of people have an issue with it. It’s nice to be one of those people who don’t,” said Antonia Trasatti. “I try to be as supportive as I can because there’s not much difference between us: we’re awesome and we love each other.”
Recently Franklin Pierce and Keene State’s GSA’s have teamed up to spread awareness and collaborate on events.
On Saturday April 17 the clubs took part in the “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” at Keene State. On April 25 GSA will be hosting a Beach Day at Pearly Pond
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