UniversalPotentate

The entire point of the gay movement is to be integrated into society, not segregated from society. The gay movement writ large is doing that work now. Conversely, the black community in the US has a very segregationist culture and they're still "struggling." If we can learn from this: MLK Jr. discussed a society where race was a non-issue. Malcom X recommended a segregated culture, which is actually what conservative bigots wanted as well. When Malcom X went to Mecca and saw a place where race was simply a non-issue, he completely changed … and was killed by his own segregationist culture for it. Since then, the black American community has been one which promotes segregation in their language, behavior and general antagonism though the process of merging is happening (slowly) nonetheless. They also are the MOST conservative religious group on virtually all other issues, especially their hatred of gays, though they vote for Democrats. Conversely, the gay movement has been simultaneously authentic and demanding acceptance. They've been both queer and here … and everyone else has decided to deal with it! Of course there's a lot of id around a gay paradise. It's a very "drama queen" kinda fantasy. Fantasies are fun … but they aren't reality and they aren't meant to be realistic options. The reality is that so long as the gay community acts as a political community, donating to gay rights organizations, putting up and electing gay-friendly candidates and asking for rights while AVOIDING asking for special privileges, the majority of people will continue to act as advocates supporting the people they know and love. There are still many States which need transgender rights, especially surrounding work place issues. We're almost there. Society in virtually ALL first world nations has accepted gay life as a normal and natural part of social existence. The U.S. and Russia are lagging, even though they've been dragged into modernity. Right now the gay community needs to focus on transgender issues, bisexuals (cause they ARE the majority. D'uh!), adult marriage (polygamy/familial) and legalizing adult prostitution. I would argue that drug legalization, addiction treatment and public mental health are gay issues … and this is a winning issue most people are ready to get behind. I do not believe in "Gay Self-Governance" … perhaps in Saudi Arabia but not in the US. What we need are more advocates educated in citizenry who care about equality and fairness. Gay Rights democratic representation is the answer. And for those gays who are bigoted yourselves against bisexuals, transgendered persons and worst of all women, realize this fight is ultimately for CIVIL RIGHTS and HUMAN RIGHTS. If you want to live in a civil society and if you happen to be a human being, try realizing that the law and culture affects ALL of us, not just you. The rights of Muslim Americans of Arabian descent to be free from undue surveillance are just as important as your right to marry.