EVERETT – Next month, members of local high school Gay Straight Alliances will take a vow of silence to symbolize the struggle for gay equality.
But tonight, they’re saying it loud and proud with drag performances, a talent show and a live auction at Everett Community College.
About 20 students from five high schools – Mariner, Everett, Sequoia, Jackson and Snohomish – have put together an event they hope will raise $1,000. The money will be used for T-shirts, buttons and other items for their Day of Silence on April 21.
That day, students will protest the discrimination, harassment and “silencing” of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people by not speaking for the entire day.
“We’re taking this issue out of the closet,” said Ashley Livingston, 16, a junior at Mariner. “We’re showing that the youth are aware of things that are going on. We are paying attention, and hopefully we can make a difference.”
Several area high school Gay Straight Alliances have observed the Day of Silence in the past, but this is the first time the schools have coordinated their efforts.
Also expected to participate are Sultan High School and Lake Stevens Middle School, which will protest all forms of discrimination in addition to discrimination based on sexual orientation.
“These are amazing, courageous kids,” said Maria Burgess, a Youth Connection AmeriCorps member who is helping the students with both events. “The (Gay Straight Alliances) are student-run, so they exist because of student dedication. Being around these youths has given me courage.”
Students in the Gay Straight Alliances generally don’t share their sexual orientation. The group is a place where students can feel free to discuss anything, and President Bush’s recent proposal for a constitutional amendment prohibiting gay marriage has been a hot topic lately.
“Something about that comes up at every single meeting,” Livingston said.
“We want to get out there and really make a difference, but we’re not sure which way to do it,” said Xandra Lauch, 18, a senior at Mariner. “We think it’s something that needs to be discussed. It probably should have been decided a long time ago, but society moves slowly.”
In organizing tonight’s fund-raiser, the students opted for entertainment and sought to make a statement with the decision to include a drag show, in which performers cross-dress.
“Some people might think high school students shouldn’t be doing that,” Lauch said.
“But hopefully, they’ll look past that and see what it’s really about,” Livingston added.
Both said they don’t identify with any sexual orientation.
Jason Ballard, an Everett drag performer who goes by the stage name Rusty Waters, is part of the Imperial Sovereign Court of Everett, a nonprofit group that puts on fund-raising performances. Ballard is host of tonight’s show.
“Our job is to entertain some people and let them know there’s a lot of fun to the (gay) community,” Ballard said. “We’re not there to lecture.”
Some students will give lip-syncing performances, while others will sing live. The event includes an auction featuring weekend getaways, a DVD player, artworks and other items.
Beyond the entertainment, tonight’s event is much like any other high school production. Lauch’s attempt to bake cookies Friday night netted less than half a dozen, but she was able to secure a popcorn machine.
Despite the burnt chocolate-chip cookies, Lauch is looking forward to lip-syncing a Shania Twain song and the chance to open some public debate.
“It’s just getting people to talk about it,” Lauch said. “Even if what they say is bad, that means they noticed.”
Reporter Victor Balta: 425-339-3455 or vbalta@heraldnet.com.
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