GAYS ARE AVERAGE AMERICAN CITIZENS

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, March 12, 1993                   TAG: 9303120632
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short
GAYS ARE AVERAGE AMERICAN CITIZENS
IN RESPONSE to Gary Burch's Feb. 24 commentary, "Don't equate gay issues with blacks' civil-rights struggle":
I am white with blue eyes and blond hair. I have a steady job that I've held for more than six years. I pay all my taxes and bills on time. I attend church services at least two times a month. I firmly believe in God and know that God created me. I vote in all elections, and I attend community and public meetings on issues that I feel are of importance to me. All in all, I'm your average American citizen. Oh . . . did I mention that I'm gay? You see, it's actually none of your business, bottom line. I could be a part of your congregation and you'd never even know unless I chose to tell you.
The only true difference between the African-American civil-rights struggle and the gay-rights struggle is that because of the color of their skin, you knew who they were. You could see them coming. I really think that's what scares you and others like you. We aren't all one skin color, and we don't wear stars on our clothing like the Jewish people had to do. You can't see us coming!
We certainly don't need your acceptance, but we are everywhere, and we deserve the same rights as you. We are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, Christians, Jews; we are tall, thin, large, liberals, conservatives. And our skin comes in all colors. Be a true Christian and please stop discriminating against us. JANE HUGHES SALEM

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB