Powered by Max Banner Ads ‘Ex-Gay’ Activist John Smid’s Stunning Admission by Wayne Besen For decades, John Smid had been the leader of Love in Action, the infamous “ex-gay” ministry that took away the underwear of clients if the undergarments appeared too gay. The strict Memphis-based ministry also used an egg timer in the bathroom to make sure its clients... 

Truth Wins Out Ralph Reed’s Con Artist Comeback by Wayne Besen A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the rancid “values” of those leading today’s, so-called, pro-family movement: Today, defining our opponents is not so easy, and sometimes vexing, because their values are so vacant and vacuous. Back in the day, a true conservative was defined by how one lived – not necessarily... 

Truth Wins Out by Wayne Besen Conservatism: From Fuddy-Duddy to Nutty Buddy When I first started fighting for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality in 1989, the mission seemed quite clear. We were working to educate and change the minds of traditionalists who had virtually no experience with LGBT people or issues. These individuals had grown up with stereotypes and misconceptions that could... 

Sign TWO Petition in Support of J. Crew Pink Toenails Ad by Wayne Besen It was my senior year of high school and our basketball team was playing our rivals. As the team’s captain, I knew I had to carry the team on my shoulders if we had a chance to win. Despite my 25 points and 15 rebounds, we still lost to a team with superior talent. Following our defeat, our angry coach barreled into the locker... 

Trend Lines and Battle Lines by Wayne Besen The trend lines point toward full LGBT equality. This was surprisingly evident last month on the FOX News Channel show Red Eye, which lampooned leading anti-gay organizations for vowing to skip this year’s Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) because a gay conservative group was invited. The show’s host ruthlessly mocked The Family... 

The Bombast and the Body Count by Wayne Besen While the world focused on the tragic Arizona shootings, another horrific crime took place in New York City. The New York Post reported today that a Portuguese male model tortured and murdered his “sugar daddy” in a Manhattan hotel. For more than an hour, Renato Seabra, 20, beat Carlos Castro, 65, before he castrated the older fashion journalist... 

No Waffling in Belgium by Wayne Besen There was certainly no waffling in Belgium when law enforcement officials raided a Catholic Bishop’s meeting to pursue tawdry allegations of sexual abuse by pedophile priests. When Pope Benedict XVI heard about the operation, he put down his incense and announced he was incensed that police actually did their jobs to protect minors from major abuses. He called... 

republicans need to rethink rhetoric by Wayne Besen photo by Tony Belleau In 1995, House Majority leader Dick Armey (R-Tex.) referred to Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass) as “Barney Fag.” He quickly apologized calling his verbiage a “slip of the tongue”. Fifteen years later, the obstreperous Tea Party movement that Armey is behind showed no such restraint, with members boldly calling Frank a “faggot”... 

two may 2010 science needs to get off the sidelines by Wayne Besen If one were to take a shoe logo and use it for questionable purposes not approved by the manufacturer, a nasty letter from a lawyer would be received by week’s end. Wise companies realize that irreparable harm can result if a brand name is sullied, so vigilance is necessary to protect the product. Unfortunately, leading scientific... 

TWO – July 2010 The Tipping Point on LGBT Equality Has Arrived by Wayne Besen A couple of weeks ago I wrote, “The war over gay rights in America and other modern nations has been largely won. Too many people have come out of the closet and will never go back in for the clock to be turned back.” This trend towards acceptance has only accelerated since my column and may have reached a tipping...