Gays Need Sensitivity Training, Too

Are people homosexual, or are they doing something homosexual? Homophobia is often likened to racism, but is it the same? Is your race determined by how you act or live?

These are questions no one is asking in light of the recent firestorm of controversy stemming from comments by Tim Hardaway regarding the "coming out" of NBA player John Amaechi. Hardaway stated specifically that "I hate gays", and went on for several minutes during an interview backing up that sentiment.

Hardaway's attitude is just awful, isn't it? Homophobia must be one of the worst bigotries that needs to be stamped out in America, right?

Homosexuality is defined by your sexual actions. Regardless of whether you believe that is genetic or by choice, the fact remains it is not your appearance but your actions that offend or disgust others. This makes homophobia inherently different from racism. Some people don't like liars or cheaters or people who swear like sailors - some people don't like people who have sexual relations with others of the same sex. Why do homosexuals demand social tolerance equal to that given to race or gender? Perhaps they should instead receive the same tolerance given to strippers - after all, some people think that lifestyle is OK and some do not.

Personally, I have no problem with gay people and could care less what they do with their lives. I have several friends who are gay. But telling others they cannot frown upon your lifestyle by equating homosexuality with racism and sexism is ludicrous. It is a slap in the face to those who were born into suffering because of the intolerance of their appearance. These gay activists are the ones lacking sensitivity toward issues much more important and problems much more dire.

Certainly, a hate crime of any sort is inexcusable and intolerable and must be prosecuted to the fullest extent. However, there was no crime committed here. I hate people that don't respect young children in public. I hate people who insist on driving in the middle lane of the Interstate at all times. I hate Dallas Cowboy fans. Tim Hardaway hates guys that have sex with other guys. What makes the disdain for gays more outrageous than any of these others?

Homosexuality does not define who you are, only what you do. And I really am sorry, but people have every right to hate what you do. Do not insult victims of racism by equating your persecution to theirs. It is not the same.