This archive report was first published on 28 June 2021.
Bryce Dershem, the valedictorian of Eastern Regional High School in Voorhees Township, New Jersey, was silenced by the principal during his graduation speech on June 17, 2021, after he began speaking about his queer identity.
According to Dershem, he had been working on his speech for a month and had planned to speak about his experiences as a queer person, including his struggles with anorexia and his desire to fight against stigma.
However, when Dershem began his speech, the principal, Robert M. Tull, cut him off, taking the microphone from its stand and replacing it with a different version of the speech that did not include any references to Dershem's queer identity.
Dershem, 18, was frozen and unable to continue speaking, but his classmates rallied around him, cheering him on and urging him to continue.
With newfound passion, Dershem began to speak from memory, delivering a powerful speech that emphasized the importance of identity and the need to fight against stigma.
When the ceremony was over, Dershem's father, Michael Dershem, said he was proud of his son for regaining his composure and continuing with his speech.
Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey also praised Dershem, saying he was proud of the student for 'speaking truth to power, and for your resilience and courage.'
