As Day of Silence approaches, I have been thinking a lot about voice and the power that comes with it. Day of Silence honors those voices that were closeted or silenced and ignored and forgotten.

Over the past year I have been given the gift of being reminded of the importance of my voice and encouraged never give into silence. The eternal optimist, I automatically believe in the innate good in everyone, despite the actual reality that may be presented to me. Throughout this past year, I have been using my voice more than I have in my life. I have been speaking my truth even against the advice of others. I have experienced first hand and by observation that this society does not value or appreciate the 'whistle blower' and because of this, many people choose to stay silent because of potential repercussions.

There is something that seems greater than myself that has been driving my voice. Not to forsake responsibility but I do not seem to know how to stay silent. Since before I can remember, I have always championed the underdog and my mother has reflected many times that at an early age I possessed more empathy than was possibly healthy for a child. Justice, fairness and equality, in my humble opinion, should be automatic givens. To everyone. Everywhere. If I feel that people are not being treated equally, I cannot seem to stay quiet.

My voice has gotten me into trouble many times. From losing friends to almost losing jobs, the repeated message that has been relayed to me both directly and indirectly is that I should keep my mouth shut. Not only have I received this message externally, but internally many times I have told myself this as well. Because of the push-back and judgement that I have received from speaking my truth, I have grown tired. Tired of being the 'whistler blower' and especially tired of whistle blowing by myself. Now I know that I cannot pressure anyone else to speak up and out and I cannot put my expectations on anyone else, but I have often desired for someone else to either speak our first or to join me in my speech. Rarely have I felt the pleasure of other company.

A gift that I have been given this past year, for which I am overly thankful, is to have worked alongside a woman who also speaks her truth and possibly louder than I if that's possible. When I have felt cynical, pessimistic and tired, she has reminded me that my voice is a gift that should be given. Not that my job is to proselytize or convert, but rather to inform. More importantly, my voice is my gift to my self and I should never deprive myself of that.

This co teacher has reminded me that from truth can come change and this world constantly needs change. Through change we can only better ourselves, others, society and the world. My colleague has reminded me of the power and privilege of having my voice and the gift that can result.

I have often felt frustrated that I have had to educate and eradicate ignorance by constantly retelling my story. I have taken it upon myself in my life to educate myself no matter the circumstance and never have I done so at the expense of another person. My frustration lies in the fact that it seems as though so many do not educate themselves willingly and when they do it is at the expense of others. Be this as it may, my co teacher has reminded me that this cross that I bear is more than a gift than a cross.

Another surprise reminder that was given to me this week was a hand made rainbow poster with the quote 'hope will never be silent' by Harvey Milk from one of my straight students. Of course this gift was given to me when I needed it most. When I was at my most tired and when I was ready to give up this student surprised me with a truly touching gift for no apparent reason at all.

Because Day of Silence is coming, when so many have been silenced, when so many sacrificed their health, well being and lives so that they (and ultimately me) could have a voice? Why would I do that to myself? Why would I give into those that want me silenced and want my voice quieted? Do I not have an obligation to speak my truth? To educate? To make change?

A voice honors oneself and those that have come before and fought for that voice. Your voice is a gift.

Mia