Category: Columns

John’s column “The Gay Moralist” appeared bi-weekly in Michigan’s Between the Lines from 2002-2007, and then weekly at 365Gay.com from 2007-2011. His columns and op-eds have also appeared in other venues, including the Independent Gay Forum, The Advocate, the Los Angeles Times, The New Republic and the New York Times. Most of these columns are archived here.

When Tolerance Isn’t Enough

First published at 365gay.com on August 15, 2008 “Why do you need other people’s approval?” The question came from an old (straight but gay-supportive) friend, as we sat over breakfast discussing progress in the gay-rights movement. He meant it sincerely. “After all,” he continued, “if you like rap music, and I hate rap music, you… Continue reading When Tolerance Isn’t Enough

Blaming Larry King?

First published at 365gay.com on August 4, 2008 A recent Newsweek article (“Young, Gay and Murdered”) about Lawrence King—the cross-dressing gay 14-year-old fatally shot by a classmate last February—has prompted many accusations of “blaming the victim.” In it author Ramin Setoodeh asks: How do you protect legitimate, personal expression while preventing inappropriate, sometimes harmful, behavior?… Continue reading Blaming Larry King?

McCain’s Adoption Contradiction

First published at 365gay.com on July 21, 2008 Here’s the latest for the “politicians trying to have it both ways” file: John McCain on gay adoption. Asked about the subject by the New York Times, McCain made clear that he opposes it. Here’s the relevant portion of the interview in full: Q: “President Bush believes… Continue reading McCain’s Adoption Contradiction

Obama’s California Contortion

First published at 365gay.com on July 7, 2008 Barack Obama believes that marriage should be between a man and a woman. Yet he opposes the California ballot initiative that would write that view into the state constitution, calling it “divisive and discriminatory.” What gives? Obama’s not alone in this apparent contradiction: Arnold Schwarzenegger, the state’s… Continue reading Obama’s California Contortion

Missed Pride

First Published at 365gay.com in June 2008. “Is he your brother?” It’s a simple question, but it startled me. My partner Mark and I were outside planting flowers, and Mark had gone to the garage to fetch the lawnmower. Across the street, a landscaper and his young son tended to a neighbor’s yard. It was… Continue reading Missed Pride

Defending Drag Queens

First published at 365gay.com on June 9, 2008 June brings pride parades, which brings out drag queens in bright sunlight. I don’t envy anyone wearing pancake makeup, a wig, heels and pantyhose in 90-degree weather. I particularly don’t envy drag queens, who—like other gender non-conformists in our society—suffer more than their share of unfair criticism.… Continue reading Defending Drag Queens

Keep Talking

First published at 365gay.com on April 28, 2008 Back in the old days, there were those who supported gay rights and those who opposed them—vocally. There was also a third group whose opposition was so deep that they objected even to discussing the issue. For them, to debate gay rights would be to dignify depravity,… Continue reading Keep Talking

Class Dismissed

First published at 365gay.com on April 14, 2008 I’m sometimes criticized by fellow gay-rights advocates for being too accommodating towards our opponents. Why dignify gay-rights opponents with a response? The simple answer is that, like it or not, homosexuality is an issue on which many thoughtful and decent people disagree. Ignoring this disagreement won’t make… Continue reading Class Dismissed

The Sins of Sodom

First published at 365gay.com on March 31, 2008 Though it may sound perverse, I get excited whenever religious fundamentalists speak up during the Q&A portion of my public events. While fundamentalists are hardly a dying breed, they seldom participate in such functions. And though I find their silence generally pleasing, it does rob me of… Continue reading The Sins of Sodom