Author: johncorvino

The Phelpses’ Logic (and Ours)

First published at 365gay.com on February 4, 2008 No one was surprised when the Phelpses announced plans to protest Heath Ledger’s memorial services. Known for their “God Hates Fags” message and their obnoxious funeral pickets—they now demonstrate against fallen American soldiers for defending our “doomed, fag-loving nation”—the Phelpses are nothing if not attention whores. What’s… Continue reading The Phelpses’ Logic (and Ours)

Are Our Opponents Like Segregationists?

First published at Between the Lines News on January 15, 2008 In terms of gay-rights progress, brace yourself for a difficult year. This is not because things are getting worse for gay and lesbian people. It’s because the national conversation on gay-rights issues is getting harder. One reason is that, as cliché as it sounds,… Continue reading Are Our Opponents Like Segregationists?

The Diversity Fallacy

First published at 365gay.com on December 10, 2007. I won’t have any transgender people at my Christmas party this year. Actually, I won’t have any non-transgender people either: I’m not hosting a party this Christmas. But in years past I’ve hosted many, and I’ve never had any transgender people attending, unless you count one former… Continue reading The Diversity Fallacy

Winning, or Silencing?

First published at 365gay.com on October 29, 2007 It wasn’t the first time an audience defied expectations. This time it was in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. I was there with Glenn Stanton, my “debate buddy” from Focus on the Family, to discuss same-sex marriage. The only thing we knew about Rhinelander before arriving was that its number… Continue reading Winning, or Silencing?

How David Blankenhorn Helps Our Kids

First published at 365gay.com on September 17, 2007 David Blankenhorn is the kind of same-sex marriage opponent you might consider inviting to your (gay) wedding. I’m not saying you should. After all, in his books, articles and talks, Blankenhorn has defended the position that same-sex marriage weakens a valuable institution. So when your minister intones… Continue reading How David Blankenhorn Helps Our Kids

Compassion for Craig?

First published on September 4, 2007, at 365gay.com Jim West, Jim McGreevey, Ted Haggard, Mark Foley, Bob Allen, David Vitter. Now Larry Craig. Public figures’ getting caught with their pants down is nothing new. What is new is a high-tech culture that makes exposure likely, rapid, and widespread. Larry Craig pleaded guilty to “disorderly conduct”… Continue reading Compassion for Craig?

Richardson was Right (Sort Of)

First published at 365gay.com on August 20, 2007 It seemed like a softball question at first. During LOGO’s August 10 gay-rights forum for the Democratic presidential candidates, panelist (and rock star) Melissa Etheridge asked New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, “Do you think homosexuality is a choice, or is it biological?” Richardson, who has a strong… Continue reading Richardson was Right (Sort Of)