Day of Silence rung in its 17th year this past Friday, creating an annual vow of silence amongst LGBTQ students and allies that aims to bring attention to the lack of action towards anti-LGBTQ bullying, name-calling, and harassment in schools. Created by the Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), it is regarded as the largest single student-led action towards creating safer schools. This day aims to showcase that equality is for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation and gender expression.

I’ve been doing Day of Silence since 2008, when Lawrence King, a gay teen, was shot by a fellow classmate. I am considered to be an ally to the gay community, which is why I’m so adamant about spreading awareness. It’s easier for someone that is gay to want gay rights, but it’s when an alliance is formed that it transcends barriers. It is sadly often that most people simply don’t get it and ask me what difference it makes for a straight person to advocate for gay rights. I’m not implying that they need assistance; rather, it is the diversity of the supportive system that is helpful.

I decided to do some investigating of my own and ended up at the LGBT Resource Center on campus, just in time for the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) meeting. It is clear that their feelings of self-worth are strong and they are a united front, but I can say with certainty that I was the only straight person there. I wasn’t expecting too many, but none was baffling. There is definitely a heterosexual mentality, most likely amongst males, that prevent them from physically showing support for gay rights. This might seem archaic but it is an active and well form of behavior.

In preparation for Day of Silence, Long Beach State’s GSA organized a Diversity Week, with events such as a same-sex march, open mic night, queer film festival, and a showcase of drag performers. Long Beach has been regarded as a “miniature San Francisco,” so their community outreach and awareness is quite effective.

In the past, there has been some doubt as to the effectiveness of being silent in order to voice an opinion, but with the recent presence and controversial nature of Proposition 8, supporters have come together more than ever. A growing number of my Facebook friends have profile pictures with Adam Bouska in the corner, No H8 on their cheeks, and duct tape over their mouths (and they should!).

This fight is not over.

Yes, banning gay marriage is now deemed unconstitutional, but new arguments will arise. All of this is still in the process of being overturned, so peaceful retaliation should continue until the end.

Day of Silence is not just one day and it’s not just one photograph. This social commentary on being silenced is a constant. So go to a GSA meeting. Sport a rainbow ribbon. Write an article. You’re not alone and your support can help more than you realize.