Category: Articles

At Wedding, Gay PDA Not OK

First published at Between the Lines News on September 25, 2008 Like many gay people, I have a love-hate relationship with weddings. On the one hand, I enjoy any excuse for a party, and what’s not to like about celebrating love and commitment with family and friends? On the other hand… Well, where do I… Continue reading At Wedding, Gay PDA Not OK

Palin, Pregnancy, and Principles

First published at 365gay.com on September 5, 2008 I admit it: I was fascinated by the announcement that Sarah Palin’s 17-year-old daughter is pregnant. It’s no surprise that teenagers have sex—even evangelical Christian teenagers, and especially very good looking ones, in Alaska, where there’s not much to do but hunting and fishing and…well, you know.… Continue reading Palin, Pregnancy, and Principles

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