Bigotry and denying equal rights to all are evil

Thanks to reporter Rolf Boone for reporting on several citizen activist events in last Sunday's paper, including the event I attended (opposing Proposition 8 in California). In the sea of words that comprise an interview under a deadline, it is understandable that he made several errors that I think are worth mentioning and that I wish to correct.

First, I believe I said "subordinated groups" (as in relegated to inferior status by others), not "sub-groups"; the implication is subtle but important.

Next, instead of "gays, minorities ...," I believe I said LGBTQ folks and ethnic groups. Paraphrasing is a tough job in a short interview, yet I believe the implications of words are important, so I offer the correct version of my intent.

His quotes and synopsis are otherwise accurate, and appreciated, save one exception: I did not grow up gay (but yes, I did have a homophobic father).

I mention that latter error for several reasons — mostly that it underscores the whole point of the rally Sunday and it creates a teachable moment. I've already received contacts from Olympia to Alaska to the East Coast, inquiring if "it's true? Are you?"

That summons Colin Powell's recent remarks on President-elect Barack Obama: "Well, the correct answer is, he is not a Muslim, he's a Christian. He's always been a Christian," Powell said. "But the really right answer is, what if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no, that's not America."

I'm thankful. This error in reporting has further enhanced my empathy for all those who daily are identified not by their character or contributions to our society and freedoms, but rather by their sexual orientation, gender, religion, race, ethnicity or other social labels that define and subordinate the "other." Boone correctly quoted me in saying that U.S. history has been filled with discrimination, and as long as that goes on, it makes a mockery of the Constitution and the Declaration's assumption of inalienable rights belonging to ALL.

We all are different in some way. When someone asks us to focus on that, our reply should be Powell's: "What if s/he is?"

To deny or disparage others because we're not like them is to undermine the 14th Amendment right to equal protection.

Finally, the article made an important point by inadvertently assuming that, because I was troubled as a child by my father being homophobic, I was therefore gay. The insinuation, not uncommon, is that only gay people are bothered by homophobic comments and angst. I was troubled equally by antipathy I witnessed toward Latinos and African Americans in Texas and Yakima.

My purpose in being at the rally was the same as all those in attendance, the support of HUMAN rights, regardless for whom or by whom. My comments at the rally sought to implore us all to act in support of equal rights for all, for as we know, evil triumphs when people of good heart do nothing, and bigotry and denying equal rights are evil.

I am mindful of a poster I recently saw in Provincetown, Mass. which said, "That 'Love Thy Neighbor' thing: I meant it! Signed, God."

I, and all of those in attendance Sunday, spoke and rallied in support of that admonition, and that IS America.

Gery Gerst, now retired, was a U.S. history and civics teacher at Olympia High School.