| Breaking The Silence Rally April 20, 2012 |
If you are interested in helping plan the next rally send us an email.
The BTS2012 Team has yet to have been picked.
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http://www.dayofsilence.org/
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| Breaking The Silence Rally 2011 |
2011 Breaking the Silence Rally
Friday April 15th
World's Fair Park Amphitheater
The Breaking the Silence Rally is one of Knoxville's largest events supporting our LGBTA community. The Rally is designed to end a "Day of Silence" which is a national event organized by GLSEN. During "The Day of Silence", teenagers are encouraged to remain silent as a symbol of support and solidarity for our nation's youth who have experienced name-calling, bullying, or harassment associated with their individuality and anti-LGBTA issues in particular.
To Break this Silence and the Silence of our community, the Rally signifies our community's support and the individual empowerment of each person to speak out against discrimination and harassment in our schools.
The Breaking the Silence Rally will present an uplifting program of songs, personal testimonials, and awards for regional youth. The entire event and program is organized by teens and young adults from 16 regional high school GSAs and 3 local universities or colleges. In addition, several principle sponsors and numerous affiliate sponsors have been recruited. Sponsors include EastTnGSA.com (a chapter of GLSEN), Spectrum and the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Church, PFLAG Knoxville and Maryville chapters, East Tennessee Equality Council, and the Knoxville Health Department, as well as many other organizations and local business partners.
Terminology:
LGBTA: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Allies
GSA: Gay-Straight Alliance
GLSEN: Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network
PFLAG: Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
Useful links:
www.EastTnGSA.com(http://joshuatree.bz/home.html)
http://www.dayofsilence.org/
http://community.pflag.org/Page.aspx?pid=191
http://lgbt.utk.edu/center/
Sponsors and Organizations:
EastTNGSA.com
Spectrum and TVUUC
PFLAG Maryville
PFLAG Knoxville
ETEC
HighPoint Consulting LLC
Colleges:
The University of Tennessee oUT Reach Center
Maryville College GSA
Pellissippe Pride
High Schools:
Alcoa
Bearden
Fulton
Marville
Oak Ridge
Powell
South Doyle
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"BREAKING THE SILENCE" YOUTH RALLY
With Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Allied Youth
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2011 -- 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
WHO ... WHAT
Knoxville-area Gay Straight Alliances (GSA’s) and other LGBTA youth groups are observing the National Day of Silence on Friday, April 15. This action focuses attention on anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment. For background on this nation-wide observance, see http://www.dayofsilence.org/
After participating in this observance at their individual schools, youth from across the region will gather in the World’s Fair Park Amphitheater to “break the silence” and speak out for all students regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, race/ethnicity, or physical ability.
WHEN ... WHERE
Friday, April 15, 2010 / 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM — World's Fair Park Amphitheater
WHY
"Breaking the Silence" brings attention to the bullying, harassment, and violence experienced by youth across our region of all types but specifically related to LGBT issues and homophobia. This year’s event will also emphasize the ways in which these youth have met these challenges in courageous and positive ways.
WHAT TO EXPECT
** 100-150 people, including youth and adults.
** Event will begin with youth standing in silence, holding placards describing the harassment and discrimination they have experienced – and their particular responses.
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** A diverse group of LGBTA young people from amoung the 16 regional High School GSA groups will share their stories.
** A youth choir from Alcoa High School will sing a mash of songs from Glee
** Youth will give out “Spectrum Awards” which recognize area High School GSA and individuals demonstrating unique progress towards a culture of tolerance and support.
MORE INFORMATION
** Media vehicles can be parked on the sidewalk at Lake Waterfalls. PBA says you cannot park under the bridge or on the ramps leading to the Amphitheatre. There is no power at this designated area.
** Youth leaders will be available for interviews right before or after the event.
** To protect the identity of some youth, we may ask that a certain section of the stage NOT be filmed or photographed. Thank you for your cooperation.
CONTACT
Keith A Hnilica – EastTnGSA/GLSEN coordinator (865) 405-4203 bigdog@itchnot.com
David Massey (adult) -- Security / Logistics – 621-8352
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