Black and White, Gay and Straight. Please tell me the difference

One thing I have never understood, if how people can justify the difference in someone.  I grew up in multicultural Melbourne, Australia.  My Catholic Primary and Secondary schools were mixtures of European, North and South American, African, and Asian backgrounds.  My group of friends in both primary and secondary school, were extremely multicultural, and after finishing school, a lot of my friends came out of the closet.  So, you can see that I do not see the difference.

The whole African-American race thing in America just astounds me.  My brother has a close friend who is from Alabama, and according to him, that is the way it is.  But why is that.  To me everyone is the same, regardless of where they originated.   I was just talking the other day to one of the mums, from my sons school.  She is a Maori and has been in Australia, from New Zealand for two years.  Now talking to her, is no different to talking to a mother of Australian descent.   She laughs the same way, thinks the same way, her outlook on life is the same, but she is technically regarded as ”black”, therefore discriminated against.  

Now look at the way, certain religions are treated.  The Jewish religion is a perfect example.  People were ripped from families, sent to concentration camps, gased to death, and those that survived, never really got over it.  Why was this done?  Because Hitler did not like them.  Ever since “911″ the Muslims have been treated like second class citizens.  Why, because everyone thinks they are going to blow up buildings, planes etc.  I have met quite a few Jewish and Muslim people in my time, and yes, there are bad in those religions, but that goes the same for Catholic, Church of England, Presbyterian, etc.  Just because someone worships differently to you, does not make them bad.

Which brings me to my last peeve and that is the treatment of Gays and Lesbians.   I have a very close relative that is gay, and to me, he is one of the most honest, down-to-earth, loving, people I have ever meet.  He and his friends, although have their problems, are just so much fun to be around.  These are people that take you as you are.  I mean try shopping with a gay man.  Pure heaven.  They know more then women do.    This particular relative helped pick out my “Calvin Klein” handbag at Christmas.  Mind you when this person was younger, he had no idea about fashion, left alone give out fashion tips.  

I have been following all the countries around the world, and their attitude to Gay rights.  Why can’t these people have the same rights?  Why can’t they get married legally?  Why do they have to hide who they really are from people?  One of my oldest friends is gay.  I have not seen this guy for a number of years, but he was the best fun to party with.  He was very “mincy” one minute and straight shooting the next.  I remember having a conversation last year, with an now ex-friend (because of this conversation).  She informed me that the reason she did not invite this gay friend of ours, (who I might add was there for her, during her cancer battle, and numerous suicide attempts) to her wedding, was because and I quote ” How do I explain him to ,,,,,,, family.  He is too gay for them”. ” He might embarrass me”.   This is a person that would have acted straight for her.   This is exactly what I mean.  Just because someone chooses an alternative lifestyle to what you are accustomed too, does it make them any different.   To me a good friend is someone who is there through thick and thin, not who they are.

To me people of other races, besides my Irish Australian background; other religions and other lifestyles are one and the same.  Everyone acts and looks different, but when it comes down to it, we all want the same out of life.

So till my next post, I ask you to think about the last time you spoke and I mean really spoke to someone of another race, religion or sexual orientation.