I was being general about these things. We all know that discrimination does exist in the workplace based on sexual preference, but that also exists on many other levels as well. Same thing with personal safety. The same way a white guy wouldn't want to be caught in an Armani Suit with a briefcase looking lost on the back streets of Compton, the same goes for the gay guy who decides to wear tight jeans and a rainbow flag bandana in Mississippi during a Klan rally. I didn't elaborate on these issues because the same types of prejudices apply to just about everyone here. However, marriage is one that differs dramatically.

As for 9inchcanadian, I personally believe that for some homophobic people being nice is just not enough. Some just hate every ideal and concept of a gay person. I've been in many instances where I was the only gay male in a group of homophobic straight men and you can tell that even blinking at a person in a "non-straight way" would start a riot. Some even get into blatant, anti-gay redderick and will even talk about how they would beat the shit out of a gay guy. Meanwhile, they have no clue about my sexual orientation and they want me to give them a high five to show that I fit in. Now keep in mind, I know how to keep to myself and blend in when needed. I'll never call myself "straight acting", however, if my survival depends on it then I can fit in with the best of them. But you can understand how difficult it is for someone like me to be in these scenarios. Some people would just walk away, others would endure it just for the sake of feeling liked. And growing up in the inner city, when all you want more is just some friends to hang out with, you're sometimes forced to literally lie down with dogs just to get acceptance. Again, that's not fair. It may not be like that for everyone, and I envy those people who never had to go through this experience as much as I have. But it's not fun having to live a double life.