the day of silence is actually Fri

God damn sons of bitches are actually plotting how to abuse kids in schools. Unbelievable.

I love the video the national LGBT youth service Belong To put out in Ireland. More of a story than talking heads, this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrJxqvalF…

Can I ask a question which might seem flip, but is totally serious. Back in the dark ages (OK, the 80s) when I was in high school, "queer" was considered to be derogatory and disrespectful. Has that changed?

But beyond that, videos like this give me hope for the future.

Gus, that was an awesome video.

@3 it was a bit cheesy, unrealistic, and predictable- but damn it if I didn't get teary-eyed at the end. Sometimes cliche works. Powerful stuff.

These children give me hope.

Check out the video Dan linked to on Joe My God. The kid at the 4 minute mark is really, REALLY creepy. I think god might want to get a restraining order.

@4
Using "queer" in a positive way is one path toward reclaiming the word from its derogatory and demeaning past (and also avoids saying the alphabetical mouthful of LGBTTQQI.... etc.).

@10 - Thanks!

I actually wasn't allowed to use any slang at home growing up, and I tend to be behind the times about what is and isn't acceptable.

@4: I'm in my early 20s, and as far as I can tell, my generation uses the word "queer" as a non-offensive, non-specific way of describing anyone who is not heterosexual/cisgendered. I think it has officially made the switch from offensive to acceptable, though not positive when that occurred.

4: shut up you queer .
/what'sbeckgottodowithit

@5 Hi JF, I'm the "asshole who wears scarves." I've had that scarf since I was 12. I wear scarves because I bike to school, and it's cold outside when it's raining. Who cares if it's "trendy"? I like it. Fine thing to comment on a video about not judging other people.

Woot Woot! My Alma Mater! It's a rare day I read it's name on the Slog. Ahh, when I went there, our GSA had four kids! <3

Wow, this was actually really well shot and edited. The message is great and the most important aspect, but someone working with these kids at least kind of knows what their doing production and post-wise.

Dan, thanks so much for posting this! My friend Emma had the idea of doing the videos and organized everything. I shot and edited them. A ton of students came after school to help and say what they wanted to say.
And to clear things up: the Day of Silence is Friday (the video is going to show on announcements tomorrow.)

Thank you!
-Ben Kadie
my film website: http://slugco.com/

@17: Your snarky-ness towards scarf wearers makes you the trendy asshole. I hate to throw the word "hipster" around, but by judging because someone for being "trendy" really does fit with the generally accepted definition of someone who is a hipster. Besides, in our group of friends, no one gives a fuck to what others are wearing in terms of stylishness. But apparently you do.

@15: Our GSA has bloomed in the past few months from about 4 to 20 students, mainly because we function during the "off season" for drama (a lot of the club is comprised of theatre kids). Was Mr. Hays the advisor back then? Up until last spring he was our advisor as well, but his husband got a VP job at Warner Bros so Ms. Corso is our advisor now.

@17: I'm confused how I would possibly be a "disinterested 22 year old," as I clearly attend Interlake High School.

hahaha Emma I love you :)

@17: Seriously, dude, what's with the irrational hatred of accessories? I've been rocking a big scarf as a mainstay of my look, in this chilly clime, since 1982. Scarves are always in style.
Thus sayeth The Sparkle Pony. So shall it be.

I KNOW WHO YOU ARE ALICE E. FROST

Uhhmmmm?