Today is the National Day of Silence to bring attention to anti-LGBT bullying in schools. I am proud to say that 15YOD was the organizer for her school's event. I was almost in tears when I dropped her off at 7 AM with her flyers and her commitment to equality for all people.
In Alabama, the Safe Schools Coalition is working with educators to develop effective anti-bullying policies. If you are a parent of school-age children, you're likely well aware that the name-calling starts early. My girls reported hearing "that's so gay" used as a slur in 4th grade. And you probably know any kid who presents as different, regardless of actual sexual orientation or gender identity, can be a target for abuse -- verbal and physical. Carl Walker-Hoover's family knew that very well. It's up to us and other like-minded people to do what we can to make school a safe place for the other Carls.
So speak up. (If you're keeping silent today in solidarity with your students, you can wait till tomorrow. :) ) Let school administrators know you support efforts to address bullying. Don't let them sweep it under the rug for fear of offending what is likely to be a (vocal) minority of parents. Need some information before you get started? Click here and here for some resources.
Our children deserve safe schools. It's as simple as that.
Today is the 
