Fairness isn't a handout. Fairness is the willingness to offer dignity to others. The dignity of being seen and heard, and having a chance to make a contribution.
And equality doesn't mean equal. Equality doesn't guarantee me a starting position on the Knicks. Equality means equality of access, the opportunity to do my best without being disqualified for irrelevant reasons.
From Seth Godin, “Freedom, Fairness, Equality” http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2018/01/freedom-fairness-and-equality.html