Articles by: Thomas Waters

What is a gay republican?

What is a gay republican?

We could say that Grenell’s sexual orientation was not the issue at all and played no part being let go by the Romney campaign. There are no doubt other gay and lesbians at work there. But none are as out of the closet, articulate, and passionate, and it is these qualities that made Grenell unacceptable.

May 10, 2012 1 comment Election, general

Anti-Racism in Conversation – A Practice Salon

Received this via email and it looks very interesting! May 13th Sunday Anti-Racism in Conversation – A Practice Salon A three hour workshop to practice confronting racism in conversation. It’s mother’s day. Bring your mom! Noon – 3pm at Wild Red’s Garden 1100 Normahill Drive, Pgh, PA 15201 in Stanton Heights please use the internet to get directions or call on the day of.. 412-781-3541 Please Park at intersection of woodbine and fairview and walk[Read More…]

May 9, 2012 1 comment general

Statement of Equality Pennsylvania: Well Done, Mr. President!

Statement of Equality Pennsylvania: Well Done, Mr. President! Harrisburg: Today, President Obama voiced the singular truth about marriage equality that all of us have known all along — the ability for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) couples to formalize their relationships in the official bonds of civil marriage is fair, just and simply the right thing to do. The President’s decision to support marriage equality comes on the heels of yesterday’s mean-spirited vote on[Read More…]

Changing roles but same passions.

Changing roles but same passions.

One comment I have heard is that the CPRB can’t be counted upon, but this has most often come from folks who have never filed a complaint. I think there is a lack of understanding as to how the CPRB functions and what it can and cannot accomplish. I hope that as I work on the Board, I can help the community better understand this and then take advantage of this important resource.

May 9, 2012 Comments are Disabled general

Simon Cowell: Gay acting and appearing?

I think a part of it is this pervasive sense of homophobia (although perhaps a less virulent strain) that permeates our culture and judges people by stereotypic standards of “maleness.” In Cowell’s case, he is just a little bit… well, less that butch. You know what I mean? Or, it may not be just a matter of maleness, but the fact that some men who are “male” enough, refuse to follow some expected standard (stereotypic) of behavior. Even more interesting than the facts that gay rumors follow some people, is the fact that some folks who are closeted, can protect that closet so well. Why is it that media will perpetuate the “is he gay rumors about some folks and turn a blind eye towards others?

May 4, 2012 Comments are Disabled general

Should the LGBTQ movement seek to build more media friends?

Connected to this notion is to ask, who is really ultimately responsible for how complex issues get resized into misrepresentative but catchy phrases. Is it the media, or is it the opposition which then uses the media for it’s own goals?

May 2, 2012 1 comment general

ACLU Takes Voter ID Law To Court

The future of Pennsylvania’s recently passed voter ID law may be decided in Commonwealth Court. A lawsuit filed Tuesday by the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania and the NAACP claims the the law, which requires voters to show state issued photo identification at the polls, is unconstitutional. The groups are asking the court to block enforcement of the law before the November election. “We truly believe that if this law is allowed to go[Read More…]

May 1, 2012 2 comments Election, general
Keystone Progress asks PA Senate, House for ALEC Records

Keystone Progress asks PA Senate, House for ALEC Records

Right to Know Law requests filed for correspondence, financial records related to controversial corporate front group, the American Legislative Exchange Council HARRISBURG, PA  — Keystone Progress today asked the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives to release all records related to the shadowy and controversial corporate front group, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). The Keystone Progress RTKL request asks for: All correspondence, including surface mail and email, containing the words ALEC or American Legislative[Read More…]

May 1, 2012 1 comment general
Am I Gay if Batman Is Gay?

Am I Gay if Batman Is Gay?

Perhaps, I’m just put off with “Gay” being used as a concept. Isn’t that one more way to dehumanize the reality of our shared queer lives? We aren’t really in love with members of our own sex, we are just concepts, right?

May 1, 2012 3 comments general
Who can say what without being a [fill in the word]: The Sharon Needles Controversy.

Who can say what without being a [fill in the word]: The Sharon Needles Controversy.

Don’t love me (or hate me) because of what I look like. Love me (or hate me) because of who I am- the whole of me. Now, Sharon doesn’t talk in terms of “love,” she uses more shocking confrontational images, and perhaps some of the controversy is more about how her confrontational style makes people feel uncomfortable.

April 29, 2012 9 comments general