Words are worth very little when they are not accompanied by action. Action is what the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community has been waiting to see from the Obama administration.

President Barack Obama recently spoke to an excited group of LGBT activist at the Human Rights Campaign dinner. After winning the Nobel Peace Prize, what words did our leader have for this marginalized community? He believes “we can” and that “we will” transcend our differences and recognize our common hopes and dreams. He stated his commitment to “ensuring that committed gay couples have the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple in this country.” Yes, a year ago we could have held our breathes until we passed out hoping to hear our nation’s leader say those words, but things have changed a bit. Now we at least have a leader who is willing to placate us and tell us what we want to hear.

However, the momentum behind these words is hard to see. Yes, he says same-sex couples should be given the same rights as married couples, but he did not say those rights should include marriage. He did not specifically say he supported marriage equality.

This vagueness gives him the opportunity to fall back on domestic partnership rights, which he did mention during his speech. During his speech, Obama said he called upon Congress to pass the “Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act.” This is not good enough.

The LGBT community poured money and time into his campaign because of his promises for change. It is fair to say that Obama has done more for LGBT equality than past presidents, but it is still not enough. It is not enough because it is not all that he promised.

While other presidents have done far less to advance LGBT equality, they haven’t promised to do more. Previous presidents have ignored our constituency group and not relied on our money or votes. Obama specifically targeted the LGBT community for both, promising something in return. We’re still waiting.

Obama will be the true test of whether or not LGBT people maintain their Democratic leanings or look for a more progressive party to support. Obaman and Democrats in general, can’t keep relying on a strong LGBT base of support if they are not willing to stand up for marriage equality. Until then, all the speeches Obama, or anyone else gives are just pandering for support in hopes of securing future funds or votes.

One good outcome of his presence and speech at the HRC dinner is LGBT issues remaining salient in homes across America. Never before has there been so much positive discussion of the LGBT identity in mass media. I know growing up gay, I had no positive portrayals of LGBT people, history or events. It’s harder to deal with a social justice issue when we are isolated. Now we have the opportunity to continue the dialogue.

Now we have the opportunity to listen to mainstream media show our nation’s leader talk positively about LGBT people. While talk is easy to come by and action is slow, even this mundane act brings about social change.

Change will come as long as those who promised to continue the fight actually do so. Obama may be lacking in action, but that should not stop those who do support equality from voicing their support and also turn that support into action. The anger and momentum that was seen after the passing of Proposition 8 can’t be lost.

People seem to have short-term memories and don’t remember the mistakes of the past. If we want Obama to act, we need to keep reminding him what he promised and make sure he knows we’re still watching and doing our own part to advance equality. It’s easy enough to blame Obama for not doing his part, but we each must do our own part as well.

8212;Allan Acevedo is a political science and comparative literature junior.

8212;This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec. Send e-mail to opinion@thedailyaztec.com. Anonymous letters will not be printed 8212; include your full name, major and year in school.