For some it was an everyday life occurrence. To others it was an unusual, if not shocking sight. And, sadly, for some Iowa State students it may have appeared disgusting and unnecessary.

No matter what personal feelings the ISU community had about the people participating in Thursday’s noon event, one thing is for certain, Reverse Campaniling definitely raised awareness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community on campus.

Even for those who say any type of public displays of affection, heterosexual or other, are inappropriate, LGBTAA members achieved their goal by forcing the community to recognize them and their sexual orientations.

It was a jolt of shock treatment for a conservative campus. True it was sensationalized, but it was past due.

Though most people realize LGBT people are living, working and studying alongside them, most are indifferent. Though indifference is not as dangerous to LGBT people as outright hatred, it’s just as bad.

By having the guts to go to the Campanile Thursday at noon, LGBT students, faculty and staff forced the campus to take notice. It was a peaceful show of freedom of expression. It’s difficult to criticize people who take a stand in order to be recognized by their community.

Everyday, the LGBT community is forced to live in a world where there are few role models with whom to identify. The vast majority of television shows and movies lack any lesbian or gay characters, and if they do appear, they’re usually the butt of the joke.

They live in a world where something as simple as a peck on the cheek or an affectionate hug could cost them opportunities for advancing in society.

Why should the LGBT community be forced to stay in the closet? Should they be forced into exile because some people are uncomfortable seeing them be affectionate in public? Honestly, the majority of us, no matter what our sexual preference, aren’t comfortable with public displays of affection.

But Thursday’s Reverse Campaniling wasn’t just a simple public display of affection.

The LGBT community, unfortunately, has little visibility on the ISU campus. They receive even less understanding.

With the complaints they received or are going to receive for their smooches, it is clear that tolerance for them isn’t growing at the rate it should.

No matter what your sexual preference, you should have the right to express your feelings for loved ones without the fear of receiving a nasty comment or even a thrown punch.

After all, a kiss is just a kiss.