Articles by: Thomas Waters

Religious Liberty and the Theology of Gay Discrimination

As recently as yesterday, another conservative politician  has come out claiming that good christians ought to be able to refuse service to gays and lesbians based. This one went so far as to suggest that no civil rights protections against discrimination are needed. He believes that market forces themselves would be enough. But since Phil Robertson’s outbursts ad this idea of discrimination has been more topical, no one has really stopped to articulate the theology[Read More…]

Why Don’t We Care About Rape?

Why Don’t We Care About Rape?

That males are treated as if they have a license to use their power over another human being and to invade and harm them in the most horrific way, is unconscionable in a society that claims to value freedom and equality.

March 18, 2014 Comments are Disabled Activism, general
Thoughts on the dying Fred Phelps

Thoughts on the dying Fred Phelps

But Phelp’s death wasn’t the really interesting element of the story, even though most have focused on that. Nate Phelps claims his Father was excommunicated from WBC, and in a vague statement addressing questions today, the Church is only saying that membership issues are private.

A Gay Man Sees An Iliad

A Gay Man Sees An Iliad

to ask if Achilles and Patroclus were gay is to ask the wrong question. from the earliest of times, brave men who have loved other men have been accepted and heralded as heroes, champions and leaders, why not now? Do not miss this riveting piece of theater at Pittsburgh Public Theater running until April 6th.

March 14, 2014 Comments are Disabled Art, general, Review
Pennsylvania, Marriage Equality, and Special Rights for the Religious.

Pennsylvania, Marriage Equality, and Special Rights for the Religious.

In other words, those who oppose same-sex marriage better try and trick marriage equality proponents into thinking this is a win/win and get what they can now, because later they will most likely get less.

March 13, 2014 2 comments general
Preaching as Hate Speech

Preaching as Hate Speech

This pastor doesn’t intend to be so hateful (even as he is). Rather, his intention is to identify gays and lesbians as “accepting a lifestyle” in a very very Old Testament type of way. He is perpetuating a myth that isn’t based in any reality. That doesn’t keep it from being hate speech or harmful.

March 10, 2014 Comments are Disabled American Theocracy: Analyzing the Religious Right, general, Homosexual
Language and the Transgender Community

Language and the Transgender Community

Language for trans persons is not only a challenge to those who strive to maintain heteronormativity and the status quo. Even the medical profession is complicit. Opening up to a greater selection of terms for trans persons is also a challenge to the gay and lesbian community which has for the longest time, wanted to see things in another dichotomy.

March 10, 2014 Comments are Disabled general, Transgender Discrimination & Issues
The problem with hookups.

The problem with hookups.

Addiction or not, what Brathwaite describes doing is exactly what more gay men need to do- make a choice and get honest with themselves about what they want. Step off the rat race of looking for intimacy in a hookup environment!

March 9, 2014 1 comment general
The Business Argument for Full LGBTQ Equality and Rights

The Business Argument for Full LGBTQ Equality and Rights

The quote below is from an amici brief filed regarding the court case in Utah re: same-sex marriage,and pulled from this this story: “State laws and constitutions that deny marriage to gay and lesbian citizens are bad for our businesses …. Our success is dependent upon the welfare and morale of all employees, without distinction. This forced differential treatment – imposed by state law – of similarly situated employees interferes with our business and professional[Read More…]

March 7, 2014 Comments are Disabled general, LGBT Discrimination: Exploring Laws and Policies
Bridal Shower Sans Bride

Bridal Shower Sans Bride

For the last person at work who got married, my coworkers held a bridal shower, but in our case there was no bride. So for Brad and me they had a celebration luncheon. Whatever name gets attached, it was a memorable and touching experience. Time after time, as Brad and I move through this journey to being spouses, I am reminded how getting married is far more than a legal recognition of our relationship. We[Read More…]

March 5, 2014 Comments are Disabled general, Getting Married!, Same-Sex Marriage