National Day of Silence

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to once again recognize the National Day of Silence, a day when students and allies, especially in California's 19th Congressional District, speak up for the LGBTQ community by taking a vow of silence. By remaining silent for an entire day, they are highlighting the many challenges faced by our LGBTQ youth.

One student who is taking part is Sion from Delta High School in Aptos, California. Sion told me that one's statement doesn't have to be loud to be impactful. Instead, the National Day of Silence is powerful because it highlights not only the difficulties in discrimination but also the resiliency and solidarity of the LGBTQ community.

Sion believes that this day proves that yelling and outrage are not necessarily the only way to be heard and reminds us and reinforces our shared dreams of a world where love knows no bounds.

Mr. Speaker, I commend Sion and others for taking part in the National Day of Silence. Their willingness to be quiet for one day recognizes all of those with the will to speak up every day for the LGBTQ community.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source