African-American movement not the same as gay/lesbian movement

Dear Editor:

Ed Villarreal wrote a column about what the gay/lesbian movement can learn from the civil rights struggle. His comparison of the gay struggle and the African-American struggle is common but is so misguided and utterly wrong. Let me explain.

What are the differences between the two movements? First is time. History records the struggle of African Americans for civil rights for over 300 years. History records that individuals, communities and systemic forces joined together to deprive African Americans of their civil rights. Every possible tool to oppress African Americans, including murder, was used to deny what is supposed to be a human's right.

This is not the same for the gay/lesbian agenda. You see, Harvey Milk was elected to public office, despite his openly gay lifestyle ˜ for decades, many people of color have been denied the basic right to vote . . . much less even run for office.

The most major difference is ontology. You see, African Americans were discriminated against for simply being who they were and what they were, "black" people. Black people were not discriminated against solely because of a behavior.

Whether or not a person agrees with homosexuality or not, it is a behavioral issue. How does a person know that someone is gay unless they share it? A black person is black, and they cannot hide that fact. They cannot navigate through a system and then say≠ „Surprise, I‚m black!‰

Society has the right to determine what behaviors are acceptable and those that aren't. Historically, homosexuality has been seen as unacceptable. Now, this movement seeks to redefine it . . . gays/lesbians have that right to attempt it just as society has the right to reject it.

What should we learn? African-American history of overcoming oppression should not be saddled by the gay/lesbian movements because they are NOT THE SAME.

Corey D. Johnson Washington, D. C.

Copyright 2009 - Daily Egyptian