Columns - John Corvino

Sally Kern’s Free Speech

First published at 365gay.com on March 17, 2008 When Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern gave her now-infamous homophobic rant before a group of fellow Republicans, she remarked that “The very fact that I’m talking to you like this here today puts me in jeopardy.” It may have been the truest thing she said that day.… Continue reading Sally Kern’s Free Speech

Respecting Ex-Gays

First published at 365gay.com on March 3, 2008 People often ask me what I think about ex-gay ministries. I have no objection to them in principle, but serious problems with them in practice. I have no objection to them in principle because I believe we should give others the same respect that we ourselves demand.… Continue reading Respecting Ex-Gays

Gays on the Mezzanine

First published at 365gay.com on February 18, 2008 The late food critic Craig Claiborne used to tell a story of a woman who received a ham but didn’t own a saw. Although she had never cooked a whole ham, she knew that her mother always prepared hams for cooking by sawing off the end, and… Continue reading Gays on the Mezzanine

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?

Bad Science I: Horny, but Not Human

First published at 365gay.com on January 7, 2008 When an article about “fruit flies” popped up on a gay website, at first I thought it was about straight women who gravitate toward gay men. (The other, uglier term for such women is “fag hag.”) Alas, the article was referring to actual insects, the annoying little… Continue reading Bad Science I: Horny, but Not Human

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

Young Love, Older Love

First published at 365gay.com on Nov. 28, 2007 My partner Mark and I introduced “Bob” and “Jim” at a dinner party at our place. Bob, 31, is recently out of the closet, and Jim, 27, just returned to the U.S. after living overseas for four years. We weren’t trying to play matchmaker when we invited… Continue reading Young Love, Older Love

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