I think the difference between black and white is that one is black while the other is white. The difference between straight and gay can be deduced via a similar argument. A logical fallacy that needs to be pointed out is that equality implies an absence of dissimilarities. I would think men and women to be equal, whilst still maintaining that they are obviuosly different on many levels! A related point is that tolerance (which means 'to put up with') implies disagreement. You can't tolerate something unless you disagree with it. We seem to have developed a bizarre language system whereby the meaning of 'tolerence' has transmutated into a word meaning 'affirmation' or 'agreement'. To paraphrase Voltaire on 'tolerance': I may detest what you are saying but I will defend to the death your right to say it.