An equality initiative in a conservative, prejudiced town...

"Gays aren't really people, and they don't deserve to have rights," spewed my dear brother-in-law this afternoon. How can so much hatred come from one person? I mean what could have happened to make someone dislike an entire group so much? Even if something horrible was done to him by a gay person, that doesn't mean that all of them are the same way. I don't understand taking anger out on an entire group instead of the person you are really angry with.

But, that's not even the point of this post. His comment got me thinking. I think that if children were taught earlier that tolerance and acceptance are key in building a strong, thriving, and successful community, I believe that a lot of this hatred and ignorance could be cut off. I'm considering starting a youth initiative in town that teaches equality and diversity to children and teens. These are two concepts that aren't taught much here at all. I'm sure that I won't be able to get any funding from the government for such an initiative, considering the economy, but I would love to be able to start something just the same. If anyone reads this and has any ideas for me, please let me know