The L Word and Grey’s Anatomy stars post silent videos to help LGBT+ kids ‘find their voice’
Jennifer Beals, Jazz Jennings and Finneas O’Connell have taken part in the GLSEN Day of Silence. (Twitter/ Instagram)
The L Word icon Jennifer Beals and the cast of Grey’s Anatomy are among celebrities posting silent videos to mark GLSEN Day of Silence.
The Day of Silence, a student-led demonstration in which queer pupils and their allies take a vow of silence to protest bullying, harassment and discrimination against LGBT+ youth in schools, takes place on Friday (23 April).
Posting her video, Beals, who played Bette on The L Word, wrote: “This silent video is in support of Day of Silence.
“Over four out of five LGBT+ students don’t see positive LGBT+ representation in their curriculum, nearly nine in 10 experience harassment or assault, and almost a third miss school because they feel unsafe or uncomfortable .
“On Friday, 23 April, tens of thousands of students will join the Day of Silence, the largest student-led national protest in support of safe and LGBT-inclusive schools, supported by GLSEN – that moment of silence to help find their voice.”
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Videos were also posted by the cast of Grey’s Anatomy, Finneas O’Connell, brother and collaborator of Billie Eilish, YouTube star Jazz Jennings and The Flash actor Danielle Panabaker.
Nearly 9 in 10 #LGBTQ+ students experience verbal harassment in school. On 04/23, students will participate in @GLSEN's #DayofSilence to show their support for LGBTQ+ students and their right to safety at school.
This silent video supports their action—join us & make your own. pic.twitter.com/e2AT3HI7eR— Grey's Anatomy (@GreysABC) April 20, 2021
9 out of 10 #LGBTQ+ students experience verbal harassment in school. On 4/23, students will participate in the @GLSEN #DayofSilence in support of LGBTQ+ inclusive schools. I challenge @ashemusic @ClaudiaSulewski & @ChrisKlemens to share their silent videos and challenge 3 friends pic.twitter.com/ALvaW5CGxF— FINNEAS (@finneas) April 20, 2021
Nearly 9/10 #LGBTQ students experience harassment or assault in school. On 04/23, students will participate in @GLSEN #DayofSilence in support of LGBTQ+ inclusive schools.
I challenge @sander_jennings @Griffen44 & @MomofJazz to share their silent video & support LGBTQ+ students pic.twitter.com/3Bdoj5RkmZ— Jazz Jennings (@JazzJennings__) April 21, 2021
Nearly 9 in 10 LGBTQ+ students experience verbal harassment in school. On 04/23, students will participate in @GLSEN #DayofSilence to support for LGBTQ-inclusive schools.
I challenge you to make your own silent video and support LGBTQ+ students! pic.twitter.com/f9yE9d2FWQ— Danielle Panabaker (@dpanabaker) April 19, 2021
Silent celebrity videos draw criticism
According to the GLSEN website, after students spend the day in silence, they end the event with “Breaking the Silence rallies and events to share their experiences during the protest and bring attention to ways their schools and communities can become more inclusive”.
But some still accused the celebrities of tokenism by getting involved.
“Day of Silence is just another term for ‘I see you, I hear you’ type of BS,” said one person.
https://twitter.com/wlwpov/status/1384564297297108992
“We don’t need your silence, it won’t repeal bills/ laws against our community. It won’t educate people.
“WHAT WE NEED IS FOR YOU TO SPEAK UP, SUPPORT OUR CAUSES, AND DO SOMETHING.”
