Equality for all

Not that long ago, I reposted a status update on Facebook that said something to this effect: If you know anyone who is gay, please repost this as your status for one hour. 93% of the people will not repost it. We are hoping for ACCEPTANCE for all people. Not that's not exactly what it said, but it's pretty close.

I have a friend who immediately challenged that post. He commented that he was tired of it being thrown in his face by the gays how they wanted special treatment. Another FB friend posted it wasn't about special treatment, it was about acceptance and equality. Later, that friend who challenged the post called me and said he didn't necessarily believe in equality for gay people so much as he believed in equality for ALL people.

I am of the belief that everyone has the right to their opinion and should be given the right to express their opinion. I didn't challenge him back, just merely stated why I had decided to repost it. When he called, the first question out of his mouth was, "Are you gay?" "No," I told him. "I have a lot of friends who are gay." And I do. I have a LOT of gay friends, most of whom are in committed relationships. I cherish those friends. Mostly because I know how difficult it is for them to be accepted for who they are. I am the type of person who accepts people for who they are, no questions asked, and love them for their individuality. I don't judge people... it's not my style.

But my friend's statement of equality for ALL people struck me hard. Because ultimately, isn't that what we all want? Isn't that what we strive for? Our founding fathers wrote into the Constitution that all men were created equal. They may have phrased it wrong, but they had the right intentions. Later, egotistical, machoistic (if that's even a word) men decided that the statement meant only "white men" were created equal and deserved certain inalienable rights. Less than 100 years ago, women had no rights in this country and we had to fight for any rights, including the right to vote. Less than 50 years ago, black people had no rights in this country and had to fight for their rights, including the right to vote. Gay people don't necessarily have to fight for the right to vote, because that's already been covered. But they do have to fight for their equality, which is actually guaranteed to them via the Constitution of the United States. So the mere fact that they have to fight for those rights is ludicrous.

Of course, there are more openly gay people now than ever before making it much easier for them to be accepted into mainstream society. I hate that I had to write that. Why can't we just follow the footsteps of Jesus Christ and love our neighbors as we love ourselves? Why can't ALL of us just live by the golden rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated? If we could just follow the example already set forth by a great leader, Jesus Christ, this world would be a much better place to live in. Jesus accepted and loved everyone with whom he came into contact, regardless of their race, creed, orientation, religion, or disease.

That's how I live my life. I hope that it shows.