"Saying that your identity is somethingimmutable will get you further in the eyes of themainstream than claiming that it was constructed,"DeBlosi said.
But, she added, "I am not interested in makingan argument to legitimize myself in the eyes ofthe mainstream."
Anthony P. Farley, a law professor at BostonCollege, said "like-race" analogies to sexualidentity could either create solidarity betweenoppressed groups or create further oppression.
"The political effect of the `like-race' similewould depend on the context," said Farley, who isblack.
Halley's lecture was this year's Frances BiddleMemorial Lecture, a lecture series thatcommemorates the former Attorney General. Thelectures address civil liberties and civil rights.
"It's truly wonderful that Harvard Law Schoolis giving us the opportunity to discuss law andsocial groups," Halley said.
A complementary lecture titled "Identity andthe Case for Gay Rights: Race, Gender, Religion asAnalogies" by David A.J. Richards will be giventomorrow. The lecture will be at 4:30 p.m. inAustin Hall