‘Gay’ Is Not Enough
October 1999
Not so long ago, when homophobia was omnipresent, calling yourself "gay" meant that you challenged prevailing sexual values. People interested in replacing fearful attitudes about deviant sexuality or chucking out the foolish notion that jealous possessiveness signaled love could welcome those claiming a gay identity. All sexual outlaws had a common enemy: the nearly-universal condemnation of sexual expression outside narrowly proscribed boundaries. Being gay defined you as a sexual renegade, a rebel with a cause.
But the successes of the gay movement have changed the equation. Homosexual expression is more widely tolerated; thus, asserting a gay identity… Continue reading
Loyal, Kind, Brave… and Gay
September 1999
The New Jersey Supreme Court declared this month that the Boy Scouts cannot discriminate against members who declare themselves to be gay. Though the ruling is a welcome victory for freedom of speech, those who value sexual freedom should remain wary of much of the judges' reasoning; the fundamental fight is not about an individual's right to label himself "gay" but instead about everyone's right to enjoy gay sex. As sexual liberationists, we must be mindful not to trade the freedom to act on gay desires for a court-sanctioned ability to assert only a theoretical gay identity.
Abusing Children
August 1999
A shocking story of children, sex, and police unfolded this past month in York Haven, Pennsylvania.
Police there are taking credit for busting up a "sex ring" that involved the "rape" and "molestation" of dozens of that small town's children, age seven to 16. At least six people have been charged with felonious sexual activity involving children, and one person has been convicted of raping an 11-year-old boy. Two of the accused have already been sentenced to jail. All those convicted face possible lifetime registration as sexually dangerous persons, required wherever they go to report their status… Continue reading
Sexual Leadership
July 1999
Where have we come in the thirty years since the Stonewall riots? How has the status of homosexuality changed as a result of three decades of gay activism?
In answering these questions we can note enormous advances: police no longer routinely shake down gay bar patrons, being identified as gay today doesn't automatically jeopardize your job, those coming out are more likely to receive rational responses from family and friends, and fewer kids now cry themselves to sleep in abject loneliness, scared that they are "the only one."
Such progress has done a remarkable job… Continue reading
Jenny Jones Disaster
June 1999
On March 6, 1996, the "Jenny Jones Show" (a daytime talk show) taped a program about secret crushes. At that taping, guest Scott Amedure revealed his admiration of fellow guest Jonathan Schmitz. Schmitz, who had been told by producers that his secret admirer could be a man or a woman, blushed and smiled. The two guys, along with friends and audience members, laughed and joked good-naturedly about Scott's crush. After the taping, Scott and Jonathan, accompanied by their mutual friend Donna, went out drinking, continuing friendly banter about the program.
But three days later, things went tragically… Continue reading
Rape Nonsense
May 1999
When you read in the paper that "a former scoutmaster was sentenced to fifty years in prison for raping one of his troop members," what do you imagine happened?
For most people, the term "rape" means violent sexual assault, and the images conjured up of the convicted scoutmaster's actions involve physical harm or threat. And indeed, it is possible that the scoutmaster did use violence in his sexual interactions with a nonconsenting troop member. But those familiar with the facts behind such headlines know that often no violence, coercion, nor threat is involved. Frequently, the "victim" in… Continue reading