DADT: Can you compare the fight for LBGT rights to the Civil Rights Movement?

This is the question posed by jackandjillpolitics blogger Jill Tubman in response to a post by Alvin McEwen who’s both black and gay bravely wades into these murky dangerous waters to offer some useful perspective as someone who walks in both communities. As someone who is black, but not gay I say yes. Anytime the government is in a position to deny you the right to do something just because they can it's wrong. Discrimination on any basis and on any level is wrong. I am going to post some of the most interesting comments, pro and con from the discussions for your consideration and review. I must say I am not surprised at the moral, self rightgous and downright bigoted tone of some of the points of view. But as my mother used to say, at least we know where they are coming from and how hard we have to fight to change things.

From Alvin via jackandjillpolitics.com via Pam’s House Blend (warning language)

To the lgbt community – Gay is NOT the new black. And don’t ever say some dumb shit like that ever again. It’s counterproductive and it keeps you from educating yourself on the nuances of the African-American struggle. Yes the struggle for lgbt equality is similar to the African-American civil rights movement, but that does not mean it excuses you from taking into account the different nuances between the two. And above all, stop making it sound so simplistic. Marching was only part of the story. Behind each march was a plan as to how said march would affect the movement as a whole, which proves that marching alone without a game plan will get you nowhere. And remember that you all don’t have to get along. Goodness knows those working in the African-American civil rights movement didn’t. But they learned to work together. Educate yourselves on how this was done.

To both communities – As an lgbt of color I have to say from the heart that BOTH of y’all are getting on my damn nerves. The irony is that lgbts and African-Americans are similar in terms of history. If you would stop fighting, you would learn this. Also don’t ignore the ignore the needs of lgbts of color in your community. Don’t assume to know who we are or what we want. Ask us. Lastly, as an lgbt of color, let me say that I will NOT make a choice between my racial heritage and my sexual identity. I embrace both. But when I feel that the lgbt community is wrong, I will say so. And that also goes for the black community.

I am not a commodity, I am person who is uncompromisingly black and unapologetically gay. Deal with it.

This commenter says there is no comparison;

I don't think that the Gay struggle should be compared to Black struggle, but probably not for reasons that you might think. I understand the attraction of wanting to use the Black struggle as an historic example of legal precedent standing for equality. As a lawyer, I get that. However, I don't think that's a smart strategy for Gay rights. There are still too many differences between (A) Race and (B) Human Sexuality that can be used to distinguish, and therefore defeat, the argument for Gay rights if you try to equate the two. So in other words, I don't think that the Gay struggle should be compared to the Black struggle because it doesn't need to be in order to be victorious. It has enough merit to stand on its own.

This one agrees with a caveat

To LGBTs, “Your blues ain't mine,” as the saying goes. African Americans have a 400-plus year history on this continent that so laden w/horrors and injustice that we as a people and the US as a nation are still living w/its unpackaged ramifications and ongoing assaults, even though progress has truly been made. That's no way near your experience. To say it's the same just makes would-be black allies feel disrespected and angry.

Just tell your story and fight for your rights, period. Some won't, but many in the black community will support your cause at the end of the day because you are in our families too. You're our sisters, brothers, aunties, uncles, neighbors, and we can recognized injustice when we see it.

Because of our history African Americans recognize injustice when we see, hear or experience it, LBGT's blues may not be exactly like ours but they are blues just the same. And the same people treating black folks like second class citizens are the same folks treating our LBG sisters and brothers like second class citizens.

Has anyone thought to ask those who don't believe our LBGT sisters and brothers should have the equal right to fight and die for our country why they feel that way? republicans love all war war the time with other peoples straight kids. :)