Gays seek the same protections others have

That is why as a leader of NAACP Anchorage and a member of this community I believe our gay and transgender neighbors should be given the same legal protections the rest of us already enjoy.

Throughout our history almost every demographic has faced inequities and hardship, whether due to race, religion, color, age, gender or sexual orientation. In each of these circumstances, intolerance and disregard drove people to commit hurtful acts toward those deemed "different" from a larger group.

I believe, however, it is these differences that will define each of us as an individual and provide greater benefit for our society as a whole.

Through our own experiences, influences and environments, each of us will ultimately be shaped in who we are and what we believe. Thus there are people from all walks and ways of life who will benefit our entire community by the contributions they make now and in the future.

While the civil rights movement and the current movement to protect gay and transgender individuals are different in many regards, they do have many similarities. Our gay brothers and sisters also want the same protections under the law, and they too have died for simply being who they are.

I believe one does not choose to be gay or transgender any more than I did not choose my race or gender.

Additionally, I cannot fathom why someone would choose to be something that would cause such pain and suffering in their life. To make such a choice goes against the very grain of human nature, which is self-protection.

There are people who oppose equal protections for gay and transgender individuals because doing otherwise would go against the teachings of the Bible. If you believe this to be true, then I ask what sin you have committed deserving of unfair treatment? The answer is "None," as no one sin is greater or lesser than another.

We must remember we are all God's children and no matter what our differing beliefs may be, it is not our right to deny others what we already have.

As Black History Month goes on and we continue to celebrate heroes like Dr. Martin Luther King, I encourage you all to think of the social movement he led in this country; it wasn't just about civil rights but human rights and equality.

Like any social movement, in order to be successful the people who face discrimination must arrive at their "sick and tired of being sick and tired" moment. African-Americans have always wanted the same rights as every other citizen, just as gay and transgender people want the same protections as everyone else.

Through the inspiration of Dr. King and other heroic leaders of social justice, we can recognize this "sick and tired" moment and work towards mending inequalities in our city.

Our community has the power to make a difference. I encourage everyone to do your part by supporting the protections of gay and transgender people by voting in favor of the One Anchorage Initiative on April 3.

Wanda V. Greene is the president of NAACP Anchorage.