Friday, April 15, 2011  Day of Silence  Dear Delilah,  Image
Source: One of the foremost values that guides my parenting is
that of celebrating all forms of diversity. I actively seek
opportunities to speak out on behalf of oppressed and
marginalized populations, and to promote a message of
inclusiveness of all people, no matter their background. I have
written here before in support of LGBTQ rights. Today is being
recognized nation wide as a Day of Silence, a day on which
students across the country are taking a vow of silence in an
effort to bring attention to the problem of the harassment and
bullying of LGBT youth.  I applaud the efforts of these brave
students, along with the parents who support their children in
advocating for this cause. I applaud parents who encourage their
children to embrace their unique individuality, and to celebrate
their differences.  Just yesterday, I read of outrage over a J.
Crew advertisement that portrayed a mother and son in a moment
of bonding while the mother painted her