First published at 365gay.com on January 23, 2009 When Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson was invited to deliver the invocation at the inaugural kickoff event, I expected some conservative evangelicals to complain. And they did. Forget the fact that Robinson’s invitation seemed like a token gesture after the controversial choice of evangelical pastor (and Prop-8 supporter) […]
Gene Robinson’s Scary Prayer Read More »
First published at 365gay.com on December 19, 2008 Marjorie Christoffersen seems like a nice enough person by all reports, including those of gay friends and acquaintances. But Christoffersen made a $100 donation to Prop. 8, which stripped marriage rights from gays and lesbians in California. Now some customers of El Coyote, the landmark Los Angeles
Margie Christoffersen’s Freedom – and Ours Read More »
First published at 365gay.com on October 31, 2008 On the eve of the election, I am pleased that my fellow Democrats have finally learned not to concede “moral values” language to the other side. In past elections, we heard a lot about “values voters”—a code-term for right-wingers on issues like abortion and same-sex marriage. Senator
Five Dumb Ideas about Morality Read More »
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,
Un-Scaring California Read More »
First published at 365gay.com on May 12, 2008 The sign read, “Focus on the Family welcomes Dr. John Corvino and the Bible Babes.” I did a double-take. “Bible Babes” sounds like the title of a really bad porn video, but there they were, listed with me on a placard at the welcome desk in Focus
Behind ‘Enemy’ Lines Read More »
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
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
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.
Sally Kern’s Free Speech Read More »
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.
Respecting Ex-Gays Read More »
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
The Phelpses’ Logic (and Ours) Read More »