THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 4, 2025 Page 3 Panel hosted at Malden High to promote awareness of Day of (No) Silence National observance supporting LGBTQ+ students will take place in thousands of schools on April 11 A National Day of (No) Silence in support of LGBTQ+ rights for students will be observed at Malden High School and thousands of other schools on Friday, April 11. (Courtesy/GLSEN) By Steve Freker W hen someone supports a cause or another person they customarily are encouraged to speak up on behalf of that ideal or the individual. One week from today, the exact opposite will be requested – no words, just silence. On Friday, April 11, a number of students at Malden High School will join thousands of other schools and their peers across the nation in observing a Day of (No) Silence, a day of action intended to draw awareness to the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in schools. The LGBTQ+ acronym is generPresentation planners and panelists included, from left: Rev. Aisha Ansano, Helix Chen, Lumi Leshane and Sophia Chen of the Rainbow Lions Club, panelist Aisha Cruze, another student member, Councillor-at-Large Carey McDonald and Malden High Rainbow Lions Club Advisor Jean Jones. (Advocate Photo) Malden Councillor-at-Large Carey McDonald talked with students at Malden High School during a panel presentation in the Thornton Jenkins Auditorium promoting awareness of National Day of (No) Silence. (Advocate Photo) ally explained as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning. “Questioning” refers to individuals who are exploring or unsure about their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The “+” at the end of the acronym signifies “inclusion” and represents all other gender identities and sexual orientations that are not explicitly mentioned within the acronym itself Recently the Malden High Panelists Rev. Aisha Ansano and Rev. Otto Concannon, both of First Parish Church, Unitarian Universalist in Malden, served as panelists at a presentation promoting awareness of Day of (No) Silence. School Rainbow Lions Club, a student group formerly known as the MHS Gay-Straight Alliance, hosted a panel presentation explaining and promoting the national Day of (No) Silence. The event was planned and organized by the club advisor, MHS educator Jean Jones, and the club members. The Day of (No) Silence is organized by the national Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and observed by students who show their support for LGBTQ+ rights Over 300 students were in attendance in the Thornton Jenkins Auditorium at Malden High School for a panel presentation on Day of (No) Silence. by remaining silent for part of all of the school day. Some students may choose to wear tape over their mouths as a deeper display of their silent protest and support of LGBTQ+ students. The presentation was delivered during a regular FLEX Academic Advisory Block last Wednesday, March 26. A panel of four Malden-based, LGBTQ+-allied individuals participated, delivering a powerful message to over 300 MHS students and staff gathered in the historic Thornton Jenkins Auditorium. Included in the four-person panel were Rev. Otto Concannon, Minister of First Parish Church in Malden, Unitarian Universalist; Rev. Aisha Ansano, Community MinHOSTED | SEE PAGE 9
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