Dozens held signs and waved flags during a rally Tuesday to support a William Floyd High School student with ties to the track team.

The LGBT Network says it organized the rally to combat hate and bullying directed at a transgender student. 

LGBT Network President David Kilmnick says the bullying the student faced needed to be met with a show of love and support.

"The power of love. The power of activism is strong,” he said. “When we come together and do what we did tonight, we’re going to shut these hate groups down.”

A protest on April 2 brought out those against the student's participation with the team, saying it presented a safety risk to other teammates.

As News 12 previously reported, a parent with knowledge of the situation says the student has only practiced with the team and has not competed.

The rally outside of William Floyd High School drew out alumni, like Fionntan Weisse, of Mastic Beach.

"Seeing all this support is like bringing me to tears,” he said. 

Carrie Barry, of Mastic Beach, also graduated from William Floyd and said she came out to show that hatred does not represent the school or Mastic Beach.

"It’s a very wonderful place. It’s very supportive and I wanted to have its moment in the light, show something people can be proud of,” said Barry.

Jeff Keister, of Selden, attended the rally to share his experience having a transgender child with those who may not fully understand what that experience is like. 

"You need to support them where they are,” he said. “If they come out to you as whatever, that’s your child. You’re there to support them. As a parent, I think that’s job No. 1.”

Gender Equality NY executive director Juli Grey-Owens says she and others came to share a simple message.

"Transgender people are real things. We’re not here to hurt anyone. We’re not here to cheat at sports. We’re not here to hurt women and girls. We’re just trying to live our lives in an authentic way.”

Others also offered messages of support. 

"You’ll definitely find where you belong and there’s no shame in that,” said Weisse.

News 12 contacted the district for a comment about the student’s participation on the team and is waiting to hear back.

Officials who oversee sports in Suffolk County previously told News 12 that New York State law prevents discrimination based on gender identity.