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.
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 […]
The Work Left To Do Read More »
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
The Homosexual Agenda Read More »
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,
Stand Up for Maine—And for Marriage Read More »
First published at 365gay.com on October 2, 2009 Chad and I met on my first visit to Detroit, back in the spring of 1998. “Damn, he’s good-looking,” I thought to myself–a familiar reaction for those who met Chad. He was thin then–he didn’t become a gym bunny until a few years later–but it was his
A Personal Tragedy Read More »
First published at 365gay.com on September 25, 2009 One of the best bits of advice I ever received while coming out was from a nun. That’s right—a Catholic nun. Not even a lesbian nun, as far as I can gather. Sr. Julie was one of my theology professors in college, and she was one of
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.
A Gay Marriage Opponent Responds Read More »
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
Always and Everywhere? Read More »
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
Other People’s Judgments Read More »
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
‘Safe’ Doesn’t Mean ‘Shut Up’ Read More »
First published at 365gay.com on August 14, 2009 Anyone who knows Jonathan Rauch will tell you he’s not a sappy, emotional sort of guy. Rauch, a senior writer for National Journal magazine and a contributing editor of The Atlantic, is known for his measured, logical (and occasionally quite witty) prose; those of us fortunate enough
The Right’s Immoral Take on Gay Marriage Read More »