By Dominique ROCHA

Last week, Crescenta Valley High School (CVHS) held its 10th annual Solidarity Week. Hosted by the high school’s Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA), this year’s Solidarity Week was held from Nov. 4 to Nov. 8 and featured a week full of events that focused on the meaning of allyship. 

Solidarity Week was created by the Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN). Originally called Ally Week, Solidarity Week includes a week of events geared toward supporting the LGBTQ community and joining the national conversation on allyship. 

“Solidarity Week is essentially the school community coming out in support of the LGBTQ community,” said Alicia Harris, faculty advisor of GSA. 

Since CVHS held its first Solidarity Week in 2016, the week of support has evolved. The activities taking place each week every year are different; student members of GSA come together to decide what events they want to put on. Though the activities may change, after 10 years the message behind the week remains the same. 

“This is a week to really celebrate the diversity on campus,” Harris said. “It’s to engage in educational measures to further the idea of having that kind of safe community every single day on campus.” 

This year’s Solidarity Week included a week full of events, beginning at snack time with music, merch and face painting. Students were also able to sign an allyship banner. 

The WellNEST Center at the high school hosted guest speakers on Tuesday and Wednesday from Brave Trails and the Los Angeles LGBT Center. The presentations focused on what it means to be an ally and held discussions on gender identity and sexuality.

“Representation matters,” said Yvette Topete, Community Action Network program supervisor at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. “Having the representation of allies and of their self-identities lets them know that they are seen and they should be accepted.”

Finally, to wrap up the week, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles performed in the auditorium.

Many feel the LGBTQ community continues to be marginalized, and LGBTQ students face challenges on and off campus. Although Solidarity Week is only one week out of the school year, students are encouraged to continue finding ways to support the community and be allies to others.

“We are very lucky in California, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t still bullying and challenges that these students face,” Harris said. “See something, say something. Get to know the people who may be different from you and be a friend.”