Preface: On April 17th, 2009, many students, faculty and staff at TCU participated in the Day of Silence (DOS). The DOS is a national youth movement that draws attention to LGBTQ people and their allies who have been silenced by name-calling, harassment, and bullying. That forced silence can be as simple as a fearful hesitation to speak one’s true thoughts or feelings, or it can be as severe as the permanent silence of those who have died from murder or suicide. One of the ways some of us took action on this DOS was to join in a silent march across campus organized by Iris Reaction. This march was a peaceful demonstration of support for all LGBTQ people at TCU who do not yet feel completely free to speak and act according to the realities of their sexual and gender orientations. We were also expressing our faith that TCU continues in its progress to serve LGBTQ people through various means. The two poems I wrote on that day were shaped by the ominous weather we experienced. The rain and lightning were severe that morning, which inspired “Day of Silence Rains,” because to me it felt like Nature was speaking for all who were silent that day. The winds began to pick up as the time for the march drew near, and some of us wondered if we were still going through with it. I’m happy to say our resolve held true, and “the march” is a portrait of the experience.

Day of Silence Rains
on this Day of Silence
the rain fails in thick gray blankets,
liquid veils of mourning
descending upon the face of Liberty

a secret torture in the atmosphere,
hidden lightning rips the sky
and thunder shakes the earth,
shuddering sobs in the breast of Love

it’s too much to grasp
that every drop from these clouds
is matched by a tear from the eyes
of a wrongly despised child of God

The March
walking to the gathering place,
the rain blew hard against us,
asking if this is what we really wanted,
and we answered yes, yes, yes,
with each leaning step forward,
with each eager little leap
over muddy puddles and streams,
reminding us of the confusion,
miscommunicatiion and fear
that we were there to heal

then we marched with the wind,
its impatient hand pushing at our backs,
its frustration blowing in sharp gusts,
yet we were patient in our silence,
proceeding slow as a death march,
an incongruous display of colors
calling for others to awaken to the moment,
to take heed of this movement
and join in calming the storm
of derision and hate

raised high above the passing rainbow banner,
the standards of country, state and school,
cracking, popping and ripping,
were torn at the edges by nature’s will,
rent like veils before a sanctuary too long denied,
and dead limbs were torn from the trees
as if a few old bones of intolerance
were falling to their musty rest,
and the noon bells tolled as they always do,
though ringing in our hearts anew

standing at the porch of institutional power,
we waited as two carried iris flowers,
symbols of valor, faith and wisdom
into the comfortable bastion of tradition,
mindful of all who feel the chill
of being unwelcome and left out,
yet even then the winds were changing
and the rain subsiding to a drizzle,
like the world was quieting itself to listen
for the whispered promises of hope

and finally our trek ended
on the brow of common ground
where we planted tiny fluttering flags,
more than the number of hands
reaching down to root them in the earth,
yet not nearly as many as those
who were not there in the flesh
but were themselves each removed
in some more hallowed plot,
though present in the silence of our hearts

To tell you the truth, I’m not sure how I feel about everything. I knew coming into this that it would take a lot of endurance. I also remember saying that “I’m waiting for an anvil to fall.” At least now we know, in some sense, how enthusiastic TCU is to support us. It has prompted me to make a new video called “What are you going to say?” (Its still in the works.) I guess I just feel that, if the Chancellor is going to tell me that allies need to “come out” as supporters, I shouldn’t feel guilty for expecting him to as well. But don’t get me wrong, I haven’t given up on this yet.

And as I was sitting here contemplating our strengths and weaknesses, I continued to complete my duties here at the desk. A student came up, and I recognized him as the student that always evokes a “He’s SO pretty!” in my mind whenever I see him. He introduced himself to me with a handshake. He then said, “I just had to come introduce myself. I think what you’re doing on campus is really inspirational, and I support everything you’re doing. I think its really amazing.”

And with just that, I found my glimpse of hope. Let’s continue on this journey, okay? There are people out there who believe in it.

Never lose your passion. Always respond with love,
Skye

*sigh* Such is life. We’ll push forward, and plan for a great demonstration. (As soon as the piece of paper gets approved.)

Never lose your passion. Always respond with love,
Skye

P.S. The video can be seen here:
Students Seek Effort for LGBT Community

I’m proud to say, the resolution passed unanimously. When openned up for debate, three people were able to stand (due to time constraints)…all three of those students spoke in support for the initiative for a multitude of reasons. (Even ones I hadn’t thought of.) With the events of tonight, I’m reassured that our student body is supportive, and that this cause is just.

My only hope now is that we don’t lose momentum and lose all of this potential. Its a special time on our campus…a time where, the students that are here now can create change that will echo across generations of students. If anyone is looking for a way to leave their mark on campus, I believe this is a real way to do it. Not just because its just, but because its attainable.

How much more do you think it’ll take?

Never lose your passion. Always respond with love,
Skye

When a light is turned on in the room, its not your pupils that do the work to adjust. Its actually a muscle in your iris (which is also the part of the eye that has color) that contracts to make your pupil smaller. I think that’s pretty symbolic, don’t you? When you turn on a light, the black pupil area goes away and color emerges.

I want this campus to embrace our colors…whatever they may be. (Not just purple! haha) But seriously. If we’d all just let some light in the room, we’d see the truth emerge. From my perspective: the truth is that students are suffering. And its the lack of response by our university that has created that suffering. They just don’t see….

How can we make them see?

You may not agree with me. You may think that the campus is perfect the way it is. But take a second to think about it. How many people do you know on campus who are out? How many LGBT students come to the Gay-Straight Alliance meetings? How many feel comfortable enough to express themselves fully? Or are they waiting until graduation to embrace all that they are?

I could go on forever about this…and I probably will. Just wanted to share some thoughts.
I love you all. Have a goodnight.

Never lose your passion. Always respond with love,
Skye