Posted On: October 10, 2005, 7:51 pm CDT

Posted By: John

And what exactly is your point? That this would be a better country, a better world, if we all were the same, spoke the same language, dressed the same, acted the same? People can be different from one another, and still co-exist. In fact, it's actually possible to celebrate the differences in people, and still be accepting and supportive of our underlying "sameness." People who are recovering alcholics do tend to spend time together, attend conferences together, and have national and international gatherings. They have something which makes them different from people who are not alcoholics - but it doesn't make them separate because they like to meet together from time to time with others who share a common struggle. The Gay Games are not about separateness, but rather about inclusion. They are open to all people, gay and straight alike. Of course the majority of those participating will be gay, because again it's about people who have a commonality in their "other than the norm" status - not a separateness. It's amusing that people feel so threatened about a group of people who have been, and still are, largely ostracized by society at large, wanting to come together and find strength in celebrating the diversity of all people. If you find it so disturbing, I suggest you go to Chicago next July, and witness a coming together of humanity under the principles of inclusion and personal best. It may help you to understand that, ultimately, it's celebrating and accepting our differences, which truly brings us all together.