by Robin Tidwell

Created on: May 14, 2008   Last Updated: November 17, 2008

It could be said that gay rights do parallel race-related civil rights, but only barely and on the surface. These are two groups of people, with perhaps of course some overlap, who feel discriminated against. However, the former is a choice while the latter is an inherent trait. The former is quite unobtrusive while the latter is very apparent.

Yes, homosexuals will argue all day long that their sexuality was thrust upon them, they will claim "feelings" and "love" and quite a lot of other hogwash - none of which can be proven, and some of which is outright ludicrous. Furthermore, if they wish, they can remain "in the closet" and no one need even be aware of their proclivities.

This, too, can be forcefully argued, as most homosexuals believe that they are entitled to live however they wish, as long as no one is "harmed". The definitive meaning of "harm", of course, is relative and arguable in itself.

Non-Caucasian individuals, however, have no such method of "hiding" or keeping a low profile. As the saying goes, it is what it is, and unless one has the resources and mental disturbances of, say, Michael Jackson, one must remain and live his life as a non-Caucasian. Discrimination today, while it can be quite overt, is typically much more veiled.

Homosexual individuals, having made a choice, are free to live within the confines of that choice; this is democracy and freedom. Do what you will, if it does not hurt others, in the privacy of your home. Do not expect the world to bow to your choices and make exceptions. Non-Caucasians, on the other hand, have absolutely zero input on their skin color.

Neither were homosexuals, ever, as a class, held in bondage. Yes, there can be discrimination, just as any other group who is "different": smokers can only indulge in certain locations, alcoholics are often denied additional beverages, and children are not allowed to vote or drive automobiles. Sometimes one can be "discriminated" against simply because a person does not "like" that individual. And all too often, someone runs screaming "prejudice!"

Yes, both groups have faced discrimination; but homosexuals have chosen their lifestyles and chosen how obvious they wish to be in pursuit of that lifestyle. Many, many individuals face dislike, prejudice, and unfairness. Not everyone will "like" everyone else - there are too many of us, too many differences. Non-Caucasians, too, have choices to make, but their skin color is obvious and unchangeable, and a part of their unique heredity and culture. They certainly have a much rockier path to travel to achieve equality and tolerance.

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