I remember when: It was dangerous to be different. I had long hair and wore mod clothes and was beaten waiting for the bus as I left my girlfriend's home after I heard one of the three men as they passed me say, Is it a boy or is it a girl?" I had gay friends in the 1960s that was risky for me and them. People of color were not welcome in every place. I was near Newark NJ, during the riots and devastation: Troops and other official entities moved in with violent intent: most of the city burned to the ground. People either feared change or went all out in violent activities: anti-war, anti-discrimination.
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"In 1955, it was a criminal offense to be gay in the UK, with laws prohibiting sexual acts between men being actively enforced. Lesbian women serving in the military also faced penalties. Homosexuality was widely considered a mental illness, and medical interventions were used to "treat" it. Despite the legal and social stigma, some openly gay individuals, like Peter Wildeblood, actively challenged the laws and faced legal repercussions. "
People were openly mocked in the US if they were different, including birth defects.
I, and some of my friends, (including my brothers) stood up to the evil when we could it was a big risk. I enlisted in the Army but maybe because I had a valuable mind, they tolerated some of my quirks but took all my Bob Dylan songbooks.
Religion still is dangerous if you are not approved by the members of a sect or faith.
Freedom and Liberty are not guaranteed, and they are not free. Be ready for the challenge, silence is not a good option. Six million people plus went to the German gas chambers or were shot, not all were jews.
I am an old Hippie we always promote peaceful protest but we can defend ourselves if threatened.
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