The American actress Jennifer Beals stands strong with LGBTQ+ students. The Flashdance star conveyed a million feelings without saying a word. The silent video reflects the GLSEN’s Day of Silence celebrated on April 22nd in solidarity with students protesting the outrageous erasure and silencing of LGBTQ+ students. Read on to know about it.
We are Humans Too, but Shh!
The 58-year old actress Jennifer Beals is not new when it comes to LQBTQ advocacy. She is actively involved for years with GLSEN (pronounced as Glisten), a non-profit organization working to create a safe and inclusive K-12 school environment for LGBTQ+ youth.
Yesterday marked the GLSEN’ Silence Day for the LGBTQ+ students whose voices get suppressed in every walk of life. The NPO is also known for its Alley Week which encourages students to be allies to the LGBTQ+ members of the community.
In her silent video, Jennifer wrote, “This silent video is in solidarity with students protesting the outrageous erasure and silencing of LGBTQ+ students during @glsen #DayOfSilence this Friday, April 22 — this moment of silence will speak loudly. You can check out resources and participate virtually or in-person by visiting glsen.org/DayOfSilence.”
In this video, you can see the “Before I Fall” star in a 26-second silence to convey her support to the LGBTQ students who are protesting the outrageous erasure and silencing of such students. She also urged to visit the official website of GLSEN to participate virtually.
Eliza Byard, the Executive Director of GLSEN once revealed in an interview that “Jennifer Beals is always there for GLSEN and the students we serve, using their platforms for positive change.”Â
Jennifer’s fight for LGBTQ+
Jennifer is a long-time LGBTQ+Ally and advocate. In 2020, she was awarded the “Champion Award by GLSEN for her ongoing commitment to the community’s rights. Several of the old “The L World” crew also gathered to celebrate her, including Leisha Hailey, Kate Moenning and co-creator Ilene Chaiken.
She has also been a vocal advocate for gay rights. She said, “I think after playing Bette Porter on The L Word for six years I felt like an honorary member of the community.” Beals was a Celebrity Grand Marshal at the 2006 San Francisco Pride Parade and also received the Human Rights Campaign’s Ally for Equality Award for her outstanding support to the community.
ABOUT GLSEN
GLSEN is an American non-profit organization which was founded in 1990 to end discrimination, harassment and bullying based on sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity. It aims to prompt LGBTQ+ cultural inclusion and awareness in K-12 schools.
The organization gained prominence with the formation of uplifting student-led movements such as Day of Silence and Ally Week. Other movements include “No-Name Calling Week” and “Think Before You Speak Campaign”. The Day of Silence has spread to more than 60 countries.
GLSEN’s Day of Silence takes place in 8000 US schools every year. is a national day of action that began at the University of Virginia in 1996. Students took a vow to take a form of silence to call attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBTQ bullying and harassment in schools.
It’s never too late to show your support. Visit glsen.org/DayOfSilence to show your support and participate virtually in the event. The LGBTQ+ community needs our support. Let us work together to make the world a better place because after the silence, comes the roar!
