This is a very sad sob story:
A well-published theologian struggling to draw public attention to his most recent bestseller hopes that his book will expose the one-sided conversation about homosexuality in America.
Uh, no, we hear about “the other side” all the time, thanks.
Although his newly published book A Queer Thing Happened to America: And What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been sits near the top of Amazon’s Gay and Lesbian Nonfiction bestsellers list, author Michael L. Brown’s Wednesday press conference kicking off his Washington, D.C., book tour failed to garner any members of the mainstream press.
Maybe it is not very interesting.
[Rev. Patrick] Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition, was quick to point to the media buzz that swirled around young evangelical Pastor Rob Bell’s latest book, Love Wins.
“Rob Bell’s got massive media coverage – secular media,” he noted. Stories about Bell’s book appeared in the religion columns of news outlets such as The Washington Post, CNN, Huffington Post, The New York Times and USA Today.
By contrast, Brown’s book received “virtually no coverage,” said Mahoney.
Yeah, I’ve seen some of that Rob Bell stuff, and I’m just a lowly atheist. Ha.
Okay, so let us pause for one moment. Yes, our media sucks, but never for the reasons wingnuts imagine. But the reason Rob Bell gets a lot of coverage is because he is truly one of the only Christian writers out there who is upending the Evangelical world, in a big way, every time he opens his mouth. On the other hand entirely, Michael Brown is a wingnut who has written another anti-gay screed that likely says the same old things every other anti-gay wingnut author’s screed has said. Not interesting, dude.
Anyway, so Brown is being “silenced,” and probably blood libeled, because that term is popular among wingnuts these days, and also:
Brown noted that gay rights activists also don’t want to have public discussions about homosexuality.
Right, we have a really hard damn time with that. What world does this guy live in?
The 700-page hardcover book also includes…
Goodness, SEVEN HUNDRED pages on God Hates Fags? Wow.
Anyway, let me tell y’all a little something about Michael Brown, because he will very likely show up in the comments section to this piece, so starved for attention is he. He is absolutely, bizarrely obsessed with “dialoguing” with gay people, but he is not a good egg. He loves to pull people into long, drawn-out debates wherein he clings to the idea that he is exhibiting the “love of Christ,” when it is obviously anything but, and really just wastes people’s time. He does not actually care about gay people, at least not in a human way. He cares in that sick, fundamentalist way that says “I care enough about you to try to convince you to deny your true self and your humanity for the sake of my worn-out, disproven, harmful ideology.” He’s also linked with the utterly creepy Lou Engle, who I have experienced up close and personal.
Indeed, Brown is so strangely eaten up with his obsession with gay people that he and Old Lou had a joint counter-rally a while back in opposition to Charlotte Pride:
The scope of this event has drawn sharp criticism from GLBT leaders, with a spate of concerned articles appearing on major gay websites, despite the assurances of the rally organizers that their event will be entirely peaceful and non-harassing.
Pam Spaulding of Pam’s House Blend wrote, “I don’t know what kind of radical right magnet is located in Charlotte, NC, but some of the worst homobigots . . . and religious extremists embed themselves there,” noting that “Brown will put his brand of anti-gay activism on display in Charlotte on July 25.”
According to the JoeMyGod website, “Anti-gay preachers Lou Engle . . . and Michael Brown plan to bring a thousand protesters to Charlotte Pride this weekend to scream . . . at attendees about Jeebus. Engle and Brown plan for the Charlotte event to launch a new national movement to oppress gay people.”
Brown points out that everyone participating in the “God Has a Better Way” rally must comply with the Terms of Involvement, which include: I will not engage in hate speech, name-calling, or angry rhetoric; I will seek to befriend those who oppose me; I will seek to overcome bad attitudes with good attitudes; I will seek to be a living example of Jesus; I will not violate the law.
“We have great love for the gay and lesbian community” Brown states, “and have always treated them with dignity and respect; at the same time, we take strong exception to the gay activist agenda and will be sending a message to the city and the nation that God Has a Better Way.”
B-freaking-S. They love the gay community so much they want us to abandon our actual lives in pursuit of their rancid conception of Jesus, thus eliminating the gay community. Key word there is “eliminating,” because Lou Engle and Michael Brown are: Eliminationists! Color it with whatever crap language you want, Mike, it’s still the same. Wayne actually wrote about that rally when it happened, so read that here.
Here’s Champ in action:
Grade-A porn stache, dude.
It was said once that in a true dialogue, both sides are willing to change their view. I had a brief chat with Brown on Qnotes and must say, I didn’t see that. I feel a bit of doubt he really does want a true dialogue and if he does, I am clueless what he hopes will come of it. I also wonder if he is interested in a debate, not a dialogue.
There is no dialogue when one side or the other is convinced they are “right.”
I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say that it will probably only be a matter of time before we find this pathetic excuse for a human being in bed with some rent-a-boy-toy. Christians, by definition, are uninterested in “dialogue.” They are, by definition IDEALOGUES and it’s their way or the highway. Screw Jesus. Screw God. Don’t need it. I’m OK, you’re OK just because we’re human. Period.
Wellllll…sometimes one side IS right. For instance, on a related subject, the statement “The work of Exodus International is consumer fraud” is not a point of view. It’s a verifiable fact. Similarly, the statement “homosexuality is a perfectly normal part of humanity,” is a fact. And no, he doesn’t want “dialogue,” he wants attention and a way to backdoor gay people into his ideology. Why he thinks “dialogue” is even desirable here is beyond me.
BUT AS I SAID, he’s a sucker for attention, so he’ll probably show up in this comments section before we know it. [I'm hoping that by mentioning it repeatedly, when he gets here, he'll choose not to engage, because I do not want any part of it.]
Michael Brown is a pompous ego maniac and a long winded stage horse. I’ve met him. What a self-righteous bore.
He’s also a “Jew for Jesus.” Kudos to him for not changing his name to Misha Braunstein, though, as many Gentile converts to “Messianic Judaism” are wont to do (gives them the appearance of shtetl-cred).
In one conversation with Brown, he totally played up his shtetl-cred. It was quite embarrassing and a pathetic attempt to connect with me.
The biggest flaw in Michael Brown is that he thinks he is the smartest person in the room. He confuses inane circular reasoning for running intellectual circles around people. Sad, really,
“shtetl-cred”? Is this a Judaistic term I did not know?! I am so excited. Will start using it in sentences, SOON.
Maybe one of these days he’ll actually read that Bible. At that point he will realize that Jesus was gay, and the gospel of John is narrated by His boyfriend.
Fundies need to realize that genuine “love” is not a tactic or a strategy or a means to an theological ends.
Until they abandon the “love as strategy” nonsense, they will continue to bastardize the word to the point it has no meaning.
You didn’t mention that Michael Brown has a right wing radio show that is currently spreading to more cities by Salem Broadcasting. Wednesdays are his ‘love the queers’ day on his show. Gosh! A whole day aimed only at us! Also, he claims that his newest book is the “book of the century”. Humble sort, huh?
Who the hell cares? His book is selling well, from what I just read (and more’s the pity). As the English would say, he wants jam on it.
As for all this doublespeak about “dialogue,” let’s face it, there can be no such animal. On our side, we know who and what we are, and that there is nothing wrong with us. On their side, they want to continue hammering away at us trying to convince us that we’re sick, perverted, “broken,” and Christ-only-knows-what-else.
I for one have NO problem telling them “STFU and get the hell out of my face.”
I take exception to a quibbling minor point in this article.
Evan Hurst is not “a lowly atheist.” He is, in fact, “an awesome atheist” (because of his generally good humor, respect for gay Christian allies, and excellent snarkery that transcends any particular belief system).
And Michael Brown is a passive/agressive carbuncle on the left buttock of the planet.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Just who is buying his book? Surely the fundamentalists don’t check out the LGBT section of Amazon.
The fundie publishing houses usually buy their own books or some version of this deceptive practice to make it look like they have a popular book – when they don’t.
I don’t know about the Amazon charts, but I know that often in music cds will shoot to the top of the charts because the company buys up a lot of them–and they don’t count returns on the charts.
Re: the video
You’d think with all those stats he’d get a clue. He’s addicted to negative excitement. Boring.
[...] Anti-Gay Author Wants Attention. Read more [...]
[...] finally, from the vitriolic gay activist team of Hurst and Besen at Truth Wins Out, who seem to delight in judging the intentions of men they don’t [...]
[...] Michael Brown’s lackey came up with a new name for our band, Wayne. Tags: LOL, Michael Brown, whatever [...]
Why do all these guys all have the gayest facial hair since the great porn ‘stashes of the 70′s
Maybe——dialogue is about relationship—not about “changing” or “not changing.”
Race relations in this nation have largely been frozen for 40 years — because our language is frozen. Only certain things can be said. Everyone is stuck in some narrow categories (related to how we understand each other).
I’ve not read a single word by M Brown so have no basis to defend or criticize–but I can see–just on the surface that there is evidence of a freeze. I think you mistaken if you think it will be to anyone’s benefit that we recreate this kind of frozen situation that creates some kind of sick denial of reality world–something like “Don’t ask Don’t tell.”
Anyone is certainly free to give M Brown the finger and move on. But actually–the demonizing isn’t all that becoming. Looks like a bunch of Fundies.
“Race relations in this nation have largely been frozen for 40 years — because our language is frozen.”
Actually, it’s because privileged white people are still refusing to see their white privilege and, not so coincidentally, because racism is still alive and well. It sounds an awful lot like you’re blaming racism on “political correctness”, which also sounds an awful lot like blaming the victim.
And speaking of which, your comparisons of our criticism against anti-gay bigotry with DADT and fundieism is offensive and ignorant, and, dare I say, idiotic. You just lost your audience, way to go.
You say that we’re free to give Brown “the finger”, but actually speaking out against him is somehow “freezing” the conversation (even though we’re posting his stuff here?) and demonizing him? Does not compute. Rather, it sounds an awful lot like you prefer that we not say anything, but I guess that isn’t “freezing” the conversation?
No, we’re not more “fundie” or demonizing his idiocy anymore than pointing out the illogistics of a flat-earther or an anti-vaccer is “fundie” or demonizing. But it’s strange that when it comes to LGBT people being against the hateful lies of anti-LGBT people, the onus of silence and “pleasantries” is always on the LGBT people.
I wonder why that is?
lovetruthlove, we gay and lesbian people have been demonized for centuries–the idea that somehow the negative feelings we have toward certain anti-gay religious strains is equal is pretty–well, insulting.
You claim that you want some sort of happy rainbow thing–well the religious right has to go further. It’s more than just “we won’t call you evil to your face but we’ll still deny you your rights.”
You have to realize that we’re not on a level ground here.
Daniel–If Evan Hurst wrote a 700 page book I would expect M Brown to address the content of the book and not attack E Hurst as a vitriolic activist (which he apparently did). In EVERY human conflict that escalates to a high level–the opposition eventually is turned from opposition to enemy to demonic.
My point is–the underlying issues that cause the conflict seldom get solved by the “guns and bombs” or by the accompnying language. We adapt language that supports a “good vs evil” construction of the conflict. There is a simple “good-bad” question at the core of the conflict–and everyone is assigned to their sides. There is little consideration given to the fact that everyone might want pretty much the same thing; that there might actually be 1,001 questions/issues at hand. But as long as we are in “fight” mode we will not acknowledge that because we fear it will take away the compelling case for our own cause. We “Need” to be the “white hats” on a sacred calling to destroy the “black hats.”
But in general–folks in conflict simply cannot get to the issues without backing down the conflict.
When I comment on other blogs, arguing in the reverse direction, I will concede Daniel’s point of the power differential. Theoretically, the conflict can be backed down AFTER one party wins–and the one who held the power is finally forced to listen. I actually support that in this case–IF segments of the Christian Church (to which I belong) will not listen, change, learn
I agree with Makui that the problem with racism is white racism–not language. My point is about language. Language is the currency of relationships. In very simplistic terms–I agree that relationships are stuck because whites cannot hear/receive the objective assertion “You are racist.” And we need to hear, receive, change.
My point is simply that 40 years of saying “You are racist” over and over, louder and louder, is not getting us anywhere. If I conflict with my wife or children, I don’t just keep repeating myself and raising my voice higher. I stop. I recast my language so as to safeguard the relationship; to make love the first thing; and speak in a way they can hear.
Music, movies, news, book publishing, tv entertainment, etc are all undergoing massive consolidation that results in a certain “blandness.” Charges of political correctness comes out of this. I would be very surprised, for instance, If M Brown’s book was not rejected for publication by both conservative Christian publishers and mainstream secular presses because the content strayed from anything they want to be associated with. That makes sense.
Except–it is highly likely some of these publishers are owned by the same corporations. This is what produces “bland” and produces a language “freeze.” We can no longer find a way to talk.
Maybe M Brown is a jerk. Beeson and Hurst may be vitriolic. I don’t know any of them. But my sense is all three seek to advance dialogue. I don’t think the outright rejection of the book on the basis of M Brown being the author is warranted.
“No, we’re not more “fundie” or demonizing his idiocy anymore than pointing out the illogistics of a flat-earther or an anti-vaccer is “fundie” or demonizing. But it’s strange that when it comes to LGBT people being against the hateful lies of anti-LGBT people, the onus of silence and “pleasantries” is always on the LGBT people.” Makui
I don’t ask your silence. I don’t ask you not point out any idiocies of M Brown. I do note–in the final analysis the column rejects 691 pages of content on the basis of identifying the author as an “Eliminationist.” That type of labeling and apologetic is exactly the kind used by the ‘flat-earthers.’
That is how I respond to it. I may well be wrong.
Well, LTL, when you hear the same s**t over and over and over again from flat-earthers, never with anything new to add to the pot, and there doesn’t seem to be any sign that this one more flat-earther is going to be the one that throws in something revolutionary, then there’s no reason to treat him any different.
Kinda like this guy.
I’m not sure how that’s “apologetic” either. Maybe it apologetic in the same way that it’s “fundamentalist” and “demonizing”. In other words, inappropriately trying to turn our language back at us, as though we’re on equal footing.
And honey? We’re not.
@lovetruthlove:
Dialogue with wingnuts? Haha, you must not know me.
“That is how I respond to it. I may well be wrong.”
Yep. That’s all I have to add to your wordy comments.
“lovetruthlove”, since reason and politeness seem to roll off you unregistered, I will try another approach; The Same EXACT ONE I used on a relative in his late 70′s before he died (making the world a better place).
he THOUGHT, INCORRECTLY, that there was still a “dialogue” over the issue of whether the races were equal.
he THOUGHT, INCORRECTLY, that decent people were still in a “Dialogue” over the issue of whether Jews and other religious minorities REALLY had the same rights as Christians in this society.
he THOUGHT, INCORRECTLY, that good and moral people, who because they got their ideas from the Bible on the above issues, were STILL respectable, and the topic was still up for Discussion in polite society, and that he was not seen as what he was, a BIGOT.
Let me repeat that, he was a BIGOT. The fact he did not realize it, and so often used such sweet words, and “just thought the Klan view ought to be heard” DID NOT MAKE HIM WHITE TRASH, A BIGOT, OR IMMORAL.
HE WAS ALL THOSE THINGS. HE USED TRASH SCIENCE, and various “RELIGIOUS AUTHORITIES” and (vomit inspiringly) “Scientists” who had “studies” showing how other people were inferior.
AND “Lovetruthlove” YOU ARE JUST LIKE HIM ON THIS ISSUE.
YOU ARE NOT DIFFERENT. UNDERSTAND THAT?
I take comfort in knowing he was so loathso he was bitter knowing he lost. Eventually, he did seem to “GET” that the very idea that good people were NOT still “looking for discussion” with people with ideas like his.
YOU NEED TO LEARN THAT ALSO. GET IT?
Gene–We adapt language that supports a “good vs evil” construction of the conflict. There is a simple “good-bad” question at the core of the conflict–and everyone is assigned to their sides. There is little consideration given to the fact that everyone might want pretty much the same thing; that there might actually be 1,001 questions/issues at hand. But as long as we are in “fight” mode we will not acknowledge that because we fear it will take away the compelling case for our own cause. We “Need” to be the “white hats” on a sacred calling to destroy the “black hats.”
Evan–I noticed this blog is on the internet.It posts lots of info with lots of comments–alot guided by your life and energy–engaging that with which you agree and disagree. I consider that dialogue. What do you call it? But I get it. I’ve always been around folks afraid to be seen discussing with the enemies. Response still looks like, walks like, talks like the folks you so vociferously oppose. I’m glad you agree that I am wrong. Gives us one point to work from!
“I’m not sure how that’s “apologetic” either. Maybe it apologetic in the same way that it’s “fundamentalist” and “demonizing”. In other words, inappropriately trying to turn our language back at us, as though we’re on equal footing.”
I’m making no assertions about being on equal or unequal footing. By “apologetic” I simply meant argument (or rationale).
“Response still looks like, walks like, talks like the folks you so vociferously oppose.”
That’s because you’re an idiot.
There. I said it.
You’re oh so keen to lecture to us about black and white mentalities, but you are the one talking about black and white, not us. You think it looks, walks, talks the same because you prefer to cling to this Brady Bunch concept of how the bully’s just mean because his daddy doesn’t hug him enough and all he needs is some milk and a hug, instead of how it actually sits in reality as an oppressive movement steeped in LIES and HATE that won’t stop until either they’re stamped out or they stamp US out. You sit from your high seat of privilege as a straight, cis man, telling gay/bi/trans people that our want for freedom to live our lives as human beings from HATRED is the same as the bigots’ want for us to go away.
b******t.
g*****n it, I can’t stand when people decide to ‘splain to minorities about how they should run their activism. Like you have any knowledge or understanding of what we go through on a regular basis. Yes, LTL, tell us poor misguided homos about your great wisdom in LGBT rights activism. Where would we be without yet another concern troll telling us to settle down? Like we haven’t heard that b******t before.
You’re ignorant of the nature of homophobia and transphobia. You’re ignorant of the nature of bigotry and oppression. You’re ignorant of the schemes anti-LGBT people dish out and what they’re willing to do to shove us back in the closet permanently. You’re ignorant of the arguments thrown at us DAILY. You’re ignorant of how mutual discussion works. And you’re ignorant about ethics.
And, frankly, I don’t think you actually give a s**t. Especially if you think our problem with bigots is that we’ve arbitrarily decided that they’re bigots and that we refuse to pander to them and play nice in order to protect our street cred or whatever the f**k. Or if you think it’s anywhere close to being on equal footing.
So yeah, you can stop with the straightsplaining, thanks. Remember what I said about hearing the same b******t over and over again with no sign of anything new being thrown into the pot?
That applies to you, too.
What’s the “middle ground” when it comes to human f*****g rights, LTL? You’re telling me that the answer to “Should LGBT people be given equal rights?” is anything but “yes”, much less anything but a “yes” or “no” dichotomy? You’re telling me that people who deliberately spread lies and fear and hate about us actually give a s**t about reasonable understanding?
IDIOT.
“lovetruthlove”, you are the bad guy. And the bad guy in the black hat need to shut the f**k up, or be told he is an a*****e, just like I did the old bigot in my family.
There is no discussion. Just you, not realizing, just like the old Klansman, that the discussion, is over.
You Lost. Whether you realize it or not. And just like the younger generations in my family would tell the old uncle “Its over” and he was to dumb to listen, so are you.
OF course, as a troll, put here trying to give ligitimacy to something that has none, you cant OPENLY acknowledge that, but I suspect you know it.
Bigot (which is what the old man would call US when when said we were tired of his racist b******t by the way….the difference being that we were right, and he, well, was just a bigot)
“I’m making no assertions about being on equal or unequal footing.”
Nooooo, of course you aren’t. That’s why you keep comparing us to the bigoted fundies and apologists, and saying that Evan’s critique smells the same as the anti-gay propaganda that was being critiqued, and why you’re saying that we’re just like the people we hate oh so much.
You are a weasel as well as an idiot.
“Where would we be without yet another concern troll telling us to settle down?”
You can throw your computer through the window if you want. I’m just sharing how I respond to your words. I don’t see any value in trying to tell you to do anything. If I were in face to face relationship with you I’d just be quiet and listen–and share life.
Since in this medium we are pretty much restricted to ideas and name-calling; and since I know you can shut me up with the click of a button if you are sick of my words; I try to express what I think.
“What’s the “middle ground” when it comes to human f*****g rights, LTL?”
Not looking for middle ground–but higher ground.
The answer would be “shalom.”
I read this blog from time to time. On several occasions I have made comments. It causes me to reflect alot. It causes me to pay better attention. It helps me see through other persons’ eyes. I agree bigotry seeks to make others invisible. I don’t desire you be invisible or silent. Conversing increases my desire that you be visible to me and that I at least hear your questions/challenge and consider my response. Thank you for taking the time and giving energy you may wish you’d given to something else to comment.
lovetruthlove, you have to realize that most of us here can’t really take you seriously as a compassionate party seeing as how you believe that gay people can become straight and you want to encourage them to do so. No matter what, as long as you support this damaging, soul killing agenda you are part of the problem.
I say this as someone who’s been through the ex-gay industry as a teenager who was forced in by his church and parents. It’s not a benevolent or even innocuous industry.
“lovetruthlove, you have to realize that most of us here can’t really take you seriously as a compassionate party seeing as how you believe that gay people can become straight and you want to encourage them to do so. No matter what, as long as you support this damaging, soul killing agenda you are part of the problem.” Daniel
I mostly agree. When I first posted, the blog related to Exodus. I identified myself as someone who theoretically agrees with part of what Exodus does. This is true–however I said nothing to really clarify the statement. My identification with them was not because I wanted to uphold them but it was just shorthand to quickly explain that I do not agree with some of the blog’s agenda.
I was wrong to not just attempt to concisely explain where I am and not use that identification.
I am not minimizing my disagreement nor arguing you ought see me as friend. I am just trying to be clear.
“That’s why you keep comparing us to the bigoted fundies and apologists, and saying that Evan’s critique smells the same as the anti-gay propaganda that was being critiqued, and why you’re saying that we’re just like the people we hate oh so much.” Makyui
I apologize for criticizing points and arguments base by comparing them to those who have opposed and/or hurt you. This was wrong. If I had issue with your words or arguments I could have explained that directly withou implying there was an equivalency. Thank you for taking the time.
lovetruthlove, enough with the long, circular criticisms. What is it that you want. Just say it in 20 words or less. Be clear and concise. You keep saying you want to “find a place to start” or words to that effect. What is it that you’re trying to start. And why, if you believe that we are sinful, or that we should change to heterosexuals should we want to start anything with you? You keep criticizing Evan and Wayne for taking apart the words of these anti-gay preachers but not to any effect.
Also, you need to realize that you’re not telling us anything we haven’t heard before. Many of us here come from religeous, even fundamentalist backgrounds so we know b.s. even when it’s said from supposed “love.”
So, I challenge you. State what it is you want and what you hope to get. If you’re just here to preach at us I will wash my hands of you now. I don’t need any more church–my first years of church almost killed me and I’m not interested in going back there.
“What is it that you want. Just say it in 20 words or less. Be clear and concise”
1 h-m-m-m
2 uh
3 duh
4 blah
5-9 had comment re blog
OK. Most honestly.To get honest you’ll need to give me at least 150 words.
I see world of accelerating crises that threaten humanity; and a public life that hopelessly locks itself in irratractible conflicts; while the planet hurdles toward oblivion . I am devotedly Christian (Evangelical)and am ashamed how we go through the motions with very little motivated by love, justice and a faithful stewardship of all that is in front of us to deal with. I am ashamed how we align ourselves in non-productive social fights that are not even consistent with our faith. While we accelerate towards extinction. So I am drawn into conversations/environments/relationships where we might build our relational capacity to handle the crises in front of us. Not a utopian vision. An impulse to survive.
so–the 20 word version:
“The making of shalom–the peace and total wellness of all creation.” Not saying I’m good at it. Just tryin’.
lovetruthlove, it sounds like b******t to me. Why are you reaching out to GLBT people on a site devoted to the exposure of these ex-gay industries? What you wrote had lots of words but didn’t make a lot of sense. If, as an evangelical Christian you’re trying to church us–make us all turn to your way of thinking and stop being gay then say that. If you’re trying to defend ex-gay organizations just say that. If you’re trying to work through some sort of gay issues just say that. If you’re an apocalyptic and you feel it’s your duty to spread the “good word” say that. But all the words your wrote just don’t make a lot of sense.
Daniel–When I visit this site I mostly just read. I just read a long exchange from a few days ago–think it was a post about iphone app. Bruce Garrett posted several comments that I appreciated both for the content and clarity. A few times I’ve read something that triggered my hands on the keyboard. Just reactions–usually to how an issue is framed and how we talk about it and how we define each other. That’s pretty much my MO on a whole bunch of social-economic-theological-political-public policy topics.
“it sounds like b******t to me.”
That’s because it is b******t.
LTL, LGBT acceptance in America is the highest it’s ever been. And it’s only getting better. We did it without your help, thank you very much. See? We’re not so incompetent. We can take care of it.
‘Course, now that I’ve found out that you’re actually in bed with the anti-gay people, and disagree with exposing dangerous frauds and reaching out to hurting and abused LGBT people (this blog’s “agenda”), I have to wonder if you’re not just a concern troll, but are actually lying when you say that you don’t want us to shut up.
“Not looking for middle ground–but higher ground.”
b******t. We’re on the high ground by default. You know, because we’re not the ones taking people’s human rights away and wanting them to die.
“I am ashamed how we align ourselves in non-productive social fights that are not even consistent with our faith.”
Then do the right thing and stop contributing to them. If you’re serious and not just being disingenuous and passive-aggressive, you can start by reading up on how to be a good ally. Then re-read this.
“…usually to how an issue is framed and how we talk about it and how we define each other.”
And you can stop tone trolling, too. This ain’t your space. You’re a guest here.
lovetruthlove, I guess I can sort of excavate out of your rambling posts that you want “shalom” by which I guess you mean “peace”, but how, exactly do you think you can achieve that by lecturing LGBT people–many of whom have been through the fundamentalist ex-gay mill on the niceties of dealing with Christians–especially when most of us have been through that route (and many of us have realized the futility of trying to come to terms with fundamentalist Christians on LGBT issues. Most of us just want them to leave us alone.
Do you also go to Christian and ex-gay websites and lecture those people. I really have a hard time understanding what you think you’re doing and what you hope to acheive.
If you are secretively gay and you’re trying to talk yourself out of or into something I could understand it, but I can’t understand why you would devote so much time to this issue you seem to only vaguely understand.
Meh. It’s the religious thing. Evangelicals all think the world would be better if more people were Christians. Blah. Evidence says otherwise.
Whoops. Well, that proves it wasn’t a bum connection. Is there a new spam filter?
[...] gay activist organization ‘Truth Wins Out’ recently attacked the book, stating that you’re “starved for attention,” a “pompous ego [...]
[...] few days back, we had a little fun with Dr. Michael Brown, who was bellyaching about the fact that he wrote a 700 page book on how [...]
Um, isn’t he a former heroin addict? Yeah, a lot of these religious nuts are drug addict a-holes, it just says something about these born-again Christians – they’re so messed up that they have to blame their self-inward hate and anger on other people.
There can often be a history of extremism and instability with such types. They can sometimes have a lot of guilt for past misdeeds and project that onto others after conversion. I think Brown may fall into this category.