Author: johncorvino

Maine, Detroit and the Closet

First published at 365gay.com on November 9, 2009 When I was a “fag” on the junior high playground, getting punched hurt even when I saw it coming. So too with Maine this past week. Like many, I was dispirited but not surprised when we lost. The rights of minorities (gays especially) generally don’t do well… Continue reading Maine, Detroit and the Closet

The Work Left To Do

First published at 365gay.com on October 30, 2009 Less than a week before the election, polls continue to show close races in both Washington State, where voters may substantially expand domestic-partner legislation, and Maine, where they may rescind marriage-equality. We could win in either state (or both)—but we could lose, too. Win or lose, there’s… Continue reading The Work Left To Do

The Homosexual Agenda

First published at Between the Lines News on October 29, 2009 Dear Parent, Gay-marriage opponents claim that we gay folk are trying to influence your children. In one sense, they are quite right. We are not trying to “recruit” your children, if by that you mean “turn them gay.” As gay people, we understand enough… Continue reading The Homosexual Agenda

Stand Up for Maine—And for Marriage

First published at 365gay.com on October 9, 2009 As much as I aim to seek common ground, some aspects of the marriage debate make it impossible. Consider, for example, the Maine campaign. If you haven’t been following the campaign, you should. To my mind, our side has done a model job in framing the debate,… Continue reading Stand Up for Maine—And for Marriage

A Gay Marriage Opponent Responds

First published at 365gay.com on September 14, 2009 Last week I wrote about marriage-equality opponents’ “Always and Everywhere” argument—the claim that since marriage has “always” been heterosexual, we ought not to tinker with it now. In response, a prominent same-sex marriage opponent e-mailed me to explain what was “logically and philosophically wrong” with my critique.… Continue reading A Gay Marriage Opponent Responds

Always and Everywhere?

First published at 365gay.com on September 4, 2009 Marriage-equality opponents frequently claim that marriage has been heterosexual since…well, since FOREVER, and that it is arrogant and foolish to tinker with such a pervasive human institution. Whatever its logical shortcomings, the “always and everywhere” argument is rhetorically effective. Even gay-rights advocates concede that marriage equality seemed… Continue reading Always and Everywhere?

Other People’s Judgments

First published at Between the Lines News on September 3, 2009 “You don’t just want us to tolerate what you gay people do,” my skeptical questioner announced, “you want us to think that it’s RIGHT.” Whenever I hear this point–and it’s pretty often–I always think to myself, “Duh.” Of course I want that. Why would… Continue reading Other People’s Judgments

‘Safe’ Doesn’t Mean ‘Shut Up’

First published at 365gay.com on August 21, 2009 A friend writes, “I’m coordinating a safe-space training at [an urban public university]. One participant stated that she felt she was a strong ally, but her religious beliefs dictate that homosexuality is a sin. What should I do? Can I deny her a safe-space sticker, or ask… Continue reading ‘Safe’ Doesn’t Mean ‘Shut Up’