Not There Yet

First published at Between the Lines News on December 4, 2008 I have a confession to make. I’m getting ever so slightly tired of the reaction to Prop. 8. I know I shouldn’t. I know that the loss in California is terrible, and far-reaching, and deserving of attention. We had marriage, and voters took it… Continue reading Not There Yet

Redefining Marriage? Or Expanding It?

First published at 365gay.com on October 24, 2008 I’ve been doing a lot of same-sex marriage debates lately, and thus interacting with opponents—not just my debate partner, but also audience members, some of whom will soon be voting on marriage amendments. Recently one of them asked, “Where does your standard of marriage come from?” From… Continue reading Redefining Marriage? Or Expanding It?

Un-Scaring California

First published at 365gay.com on October 17, 2008 If the election were held tomorrow, it’s quite likely that gays would lose marriage in California. That’s California, our most populous state, home of San Francisco and Nancy Pelosi and the liberal Hollywood elite. What progressive California giveth, progressive California may taketh away. It surprises (and frankly,… Continue reading Un-Scaring California

‘Saturday Night’ Gets it Right

First published at 365gay.com on October 10, 2008 In the last few weeks I’ve become seriously convinced that Saturday Night Live could help sway this presidential election. For one thing, it has crystallized Sarah Palin’s foreign-policy experience in a simple phrase: “I can see Russia from my house.” She didn’t quite say that, of course,… Continue reading ‘Saturday Night’ Gets it Right

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

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

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)