Friday, May 20, 2005

When I first met John at OutTexas, I was a bit afraid. I thought, “Ahhhh, heck…..what is this going to be about – homosexuality/morality, I didn’t come here to be preached at today.” Then, he began to speak in his keynote address. He spoke from a place I was familiar with – people taking responsibility for themselves and having honest dialogue with those around them.”

John Corvino lays out the groundwork of the debate on homosexuality in a straightforward and logical manner so that both sides can honestly look at the issues. He does this with a sense of humour that puts you at ease, and makes you smile while you think about what he is saying.

On March 31st, 2005 John debated Glenn Stanton of Focus on the Family fame at Texas A&M University. For once, this campus was able to truly embrace diversity by bringing both polarized sides into one room to have an honest discussion on the issue of marriage equity. Glenn made me think of things that had nagged at the back of my mind, John – in usual form- met each point in a fair and truthful approach to what the real, underlying issues were. Both of them have made me proud to be a leader in the gay rights movement.

“I laughed, I pondered, and my heart went out to both of these men who are passionate about what they do and approach it from a platform of self and mutual respect.”

Katy Dawn Stewart
Bryan, TX