GSA

The following is a guest post by Patrick Lebedinski, an up-and-coming writer and social activist.

There are countless places where young people are working for social change. One spot in particular is near-and-dear to me because it's located in my hometown, Santee, CA. This past May, at West Hills High School, members of the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) organized a Day of Silence to spread a message – a demand even – that social equality must include people of all sexual orientations.

The Day of Silence was established after a student at another school was murdered because of his sexual orientation. This year at West Hills High, students gathered in the middle of the school during the lunch break. They stood in a circle and joined hands to signify the unity that is possible between peoples of different sexual orientations. Many students who were not members of the GSA took part in demonstration.

As someone who is fully in favor of such actions, this story gives me hope, but I recognize that there is a dilemma for some of the people reading this. Skeptics may question whether such unity possible on a larger scale. When I think of the issue in terms of rights, I believe the answer must be "yes." America was birthed upon the principle of personal liberty; that rights should be granted to all persons, regardless of orientation or belief.

I know this issue is about more than just gay rights because if people are being denied basic freedoms based on their innate constitutions, what does this say about the social well-being of humans in today's world?

We lacking true equality…that's obvious isn't it? All around the world, individuals and groups alike are suffering from a lack of social equality. Whether we're talking about issues as big as genocide in Sudan or others as personal as an idividual being assailed for his beliefs, these problems are all strikes against the wellbeing of humanity, and they must be addressed.

More campaigns like the Day of Silence are needed. The urgent necessity of equality demands that these campaigns happen soon, very soon. So make a decision and support something you believe in today. Just don't, and I mean don't, stay inactive! Inactivity is not an option.