Community Commentary:

The Gay and Lesbian Armenian Society of Los Angeles is saddened to see that some Armenians are unable to see the parallels between racial and sexual orientation discrimination. We come from a culture that is, sadly, too familiar with what can happen when one group is ostracized and discriminated against. However, we have hope for the future that springs from the students who courageously organized and participated in the Day of Silence event, especially given the sometimes hostile response it has received in the community. And, we are proud and encouraged that some of the participants in Day of Silence were Armenian.

Homosexuality not only exists, it exists within the Armenian community. The members of gay and lesbian society are the children and grandchildren of the Armenian community. We are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and there is nothing wrong with us. If sexuality had been a choice, surely we would have chosen to fit in with the majority of our often traditional culture. But, we are all proud of who we are.

We hope that through events like the Day of Silence, more Armenian families will accept that there is nothing wrong with children who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, and that it is not a failure of parenting. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender sexual orientation is not a product of non-Armenian culture. There are many proud lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Armenians around the world, including in Armenia.

The Glendale community — Armenians included — must do everything it can to foster the acceptance of all of its parts, including those with which it does not agree. Teaching students about the value of tolerance and acceptance of people different than themselves is a powerful tool that can prevent tragic events such as the murders of Matthew Shepard and, more recently, Lawrence King. These two innocent children were murdered by their peers — peers who were never taught the value of accepting others different from themselves.

We call upon our fellow Armenian brothers and sisters to support tolerance, the local school districts, and most importantly our children. We must all raise our voices against hate and misunderstanding and support valuable programs like Day of Silence that can make a positive difference.

 HAIG BOYADJIAN is the president of Gay and Lesbian Armenian Society of Los Angeles and a resident of Glendale.