Day of Action Encourages Discussion

Following the Assembly, the Hopkins community will have the opportunity to discuss its own opinions and listen to the viewpoints of others in  two Q&A sessions with the Stonewall presenters (to be held during B and A blocks.) SAGA student head Emma Weiss ’16 said that the Day of Action, itself, and the two breakout sessions “Will be interactive, and the change in routine will draw more attention to this special day and to acknowledging the LGBT+ community everyday.” 

SAGA will serve as a way for students and adults to recognize their own internal prejudices and privilege. Eberle compared the mission of the Day of Action to the Conversation on Race program, because both events compel people: “To address personal certain internal biases.” Horsley added that “The Stonewall Speakers will bring more insight into the life [of LGBT+ people] and their victories, but also point out the privilege some may have as being either heterosexual or cisgender [both of which are considered the societal norm.]”

In addition to the Day of Silence, SAGA has already taken steps at Hopkins to increase awareness about LGBT+ experiences. Working closely with Health teacher Peg Connolly and Health and Science teacher Ian Guthrie, SAGA leaders have included lessons discussing gender and sexuality into the Junior School activity Healthy Body Healthy Mind. Eberle explained that “Having facilitators who are closer in age has made the conversation so much less uncomfortable, especially for the younger kids to see older kids who have gone through [this period of transition] and come out okay.” Gette added that the outreach is essential as “It is important to have support network for younger students.”

Although the club has organized school wide events, such as working with the Junior School and the Day of Action, Horsley maintains that there is still progress to make “By calling attention to outright forms of silencing, such as bullying and homophobia, but also to more mundane types like erasure, because there is not yet a history class about experiences of the LGBT+ community at Hopkins.”

In this way, the Stonewall Speakers presentations will, as Eberle explained, “Give Hopkins a reality check on queer issues, because the LGBT+ community went from experiencing total-right denial to gay marriage legalization in forty-six years, and on one hand [the Day of Action] is celebratory because so much progress has been made, but also a reality check because the Stonewall riots happened not that long ago.” 

Other activities throughout campus on Friday, April 29, will celebrate the courage of the LGBT+ community, and create safe spaces for people to discuss their opinions. A story wall, highlighting the lives of historical and Hopkins LGBT+ people will be displayed in Upper Heath, and a similar video will be shown at assembly. An LGBT+-themed movie will be screened in Upper Heath later that night to end the night in celebration. Phoebe Cardenas ’17, the SAGA member in charge of planning the movie night, explained that “SAGA is hoping to create a space for LGBT people where they can feel completely comfortable and accepted.” SAGA member Annie Nields ’17 added that the Day of Action “Encourages someone, whether they identify as part of the LGBT+ community or not, to voice support or opinions.” Eberle noted that “Although having one day especially dedicated to supporting the LGBT+ community is hugely beneficial, everyday is speakout day and ally day!”