/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Dr. Corvino delivered in a huge way. It was perfect. Could not have gone better.

Kristopher Phillips Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Philosophy
​Southern Utah University

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Dr. Corvino was very professional and entertaining. The event was a great success and I am happy we brought him to our campus.

Aramis Douglas
Graduate Assistant
​University of Arkansas

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
I highly recommend bringing Dr. Corvino to your campus! Our event was a co-sponsored event between Lambda Law and Queer Christian Fellowship. The purpose of our event was to bring groups together that don't typically interact (queers and Christians; grad students and undergrads) to discuss the issue of morality and homosexuality. We found the point of Dr. Corvino's talk to be perfectly aligned with those goals. Not only was his talk intellectually stimulating (and entertaining!), but he left us feeling challenged to engage in constructive dialogue with each other and those outside of the event.

Dr. Corvino was great to work with--he was prepared, lighthearted, and reasonable. We had some technical difficulties and he was extremely patient and kind about those. He also stuck around after the event to talk with folks one-on-one. His agents were also very helpful and responsive.

Please let me know if you'd like any further information. I hope you all can bring him!

Dwayne Bensing
​University of Pennsylvania

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
I couldn’t be more pleased. I had a student tell me they heard a great speaker that day and they were very excited about his program. He went on and on about the speaker until I finally told him I was standing in the back of the theater during the presentation and heard the same lecture. This story could be repeated many times over. A large number of students actually commented that they loved the lecture. We usually get shrugged shoulders or "yeah, it was okay," when we ask students how they felt about a lecture, but everyone has been raving about the program on Thursday. So, am I pleased? Yes! John did great. He was easy to work with and the committee couldn’t be more pleased. Score one for the good guys!

Steve Brady
Manager, Campus Life Office
​Saint Louis Community College - Meramec

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
John got rave reviews here at Otterbein. He was nothing short of wonderful -- at both the teaching circle and the talk. Smart, accessible, approachable, thoughtful. He delivered on all our hopes for the day. In fact, we're talking about bringing him back to stage the same-sex marriage debate.

Suzanne M. Ashworth
Assistant Professor of English
​Otterbein College

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
I'll be honest, I attended the lecture because I was forced to do so for one of my classes. I am also a straight male and even though I have no problem with homosexuality, the thought of listening to a lecture about homosexuality did not interest me. However, after listening to what Dr. Corvino had to say, especially when he went into detail about the four main arguments over homosexuality I was enlightened to a whole new level. I suddenly felt that it was very important to get to know other homosexuals and listen to their opinions on other issues. I have homosexual friends, but I don't really try to relate to them all that much. However, Dr. Corvino has shown to me the importance of what listening to them can really do for me. It can open up my mind to a new way of thinking about not just homosexuality, but also other issues around the world. I hope this doesn't come across as a corny or sappy e-mail because I was truly blessed by the Lord for having the opportunity to hear this lecture last night and what he had to say about homosexuality. 

Dan Ruble (Freshman student)
Grand Valley State University

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
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
​Texas A&M University

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Dr. Corvino has had a powerful impact on the Texas State campus. His presentation on "The Morality of Homosexuality" had the house packed and generated an honest, lively, sometimes heated discussion on the relevant issues related to this topic. In a political atmosphere in Texas that often stifles the kind of open discussion and debate that is the core to the educational process, Dr. Corvino hit the mark right on. Dr. Corvino also was invited back as the key note speaker to our "Out Texas Collegiate Conference" in which students from around the state came together to discuss the issues related to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered campus community. He was outstanding and received rave reviews from our student participants. Dr. Corvino has the gift of taking a very hot topic and discussing it in a logical, matter of fact format that allows open conversation from all sides of the issue.

Lisa Hellmer
​Texas State University

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
I am so very grateful for your speaking to my class. I thought it was a wonderful experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it. You were truly amazing! I thought you were charming, intelligent, funny and very compelling. My only regret is that it ended so soon. You are certainly welcome to speak to my class any time you wish. You will be very welcome. I know my students appreciated it as well.

Professor Thomas Boudrot
​Delta College

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
I wanted to let you know that we got nothing but positive feedback from your presentation. Several people mentioned that you were an excellent speaker and they appreciated your sense of humor. The office managing partner (in charge of the whole Detroit office, about 500 people) was at the meeting and applauded us for including the topic on the agenda.

Stephanie Augustyniak
​Senior Manager
Accenture Consulting

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Dr. Corvino's presentation at the debate on gay marriage was informative, intelligent, thought provoking, and offered in a very professional manner.

It is obvious that Dr. Corvino has spent much time on the subject of gay marriage and has put much thought into the problems and benefits that it could bring to society in America. Too often we forget that the main idea behind marriage (at least in the Christian sense of the word) was to keep man from being alone. I’ve seen too many examples of people who are alone because of the stigma that is placed on those who are attracted to someone of the same gender. Dr. Corvino's argument that gay marriage can be very beneficial to our country is one that more of us need to look at more closely. I was especially thankful that he included personal examples of same sex couples raising children. How vitally imperative it is for children to know that they are loved and that their parents love one another, regardless of whether that love is from and between a mommy and daddy or between two mommies. I thank him for emphasizing that point.

It is also apparent that Dr. Corvino is accustomed to responding to the barrage of questions that inevitably come during a debate on such a topic. He handled the entire question and answer session very calmly and confidently. He seemed to be prepared for all of the questions and always had a very intelligent and knowledgeable answer for each query.

Once again, let me thank you, Dr. Corvino, for sharing your time, talents, knowledge and professionalism with us last week. I know my life was greatly enhanced by your participation in the event and I can assure you that there are others who feel the same. Best wishes to you as you continue to inspire others to think and be more open minded on the subject of homosexuality and gay marriage in particular.

Ronald A. Sebben
Administrative Assistant
Musicology and Music Theory
Jacobs School of Music
Indiana University

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
We had a great presentation with Dr. Corvino and the students that attended have praised his presentation.  A great number of students did stay after the presentation to speak with him and felt very supported and appreciative. It was great to hear about Dr. Corvino’s personal journey and advice he had for our students during the dinner after the presentation.  Thank you so much for helping us bring Dr. Corvino to campus and show support to our students within the LGBTQ community.

Michael McComas, M.S.
Coordinator of Student Involvement
​Kentucky Wesleyan College

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
John's lecture was fantastic. The turnout was amazing--by my estimate at least 400 people (and standing room only, to boot). My senior colleagues who have been at PC for 20 years or more tell me that it was the best-attended academic event they have seen at the college. And John's talk was exactly what I expected it to be: clear, tightly argued, and entertaining. I have received a ton of feedback from students, faculty, and staff. All of it has been extremely positive. I assure you that I have nothing negative to say about the event. I would love to bring John back at some point in the future.

Christopher Arroyo, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Philosophy
​Providence College

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Everything went really well. The turnout exceeded our expectations.; we filled the auditorium and even had some folks standing in the back. Everyone really enjoyed the lecture and John had a hard time getting out of there due to so many questions. Thanks so much, it was a great, enlightening event!

Alison Strasser
Office Manager & Volunteer Coordinator
​Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Things went really well. I would estimate about 100-150 people showed. That's a lot for Siena. We are so small we normally don't get big turn outs. Everyone had really positive things to say. The people who didn't go were sad they missed it after they heard everyone talking about it. Overall, it was awesome. It started conversations that needed to be had and brought awareness to our homophobia problem on campus. So thanks so much! It was funny, insightful, and entertaining!

Laurin (campus organizer)
Siena Heights University

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Everything went very well! The turnout for Dr. Corvino’s program was great and numerous faculty, staff members, and students have expressed to me their gratitude for bringing such an excellent presentation to our campus.

Thank you for representing wonderful speakers such as Dr. Corvino. I look forward to working with you in the future!

Ashley McDonough
Program Coordinator
Multicultural & International Student Services
​Sam Houston State University

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Dr. Corvino's Lecture was a major success; there were over 100 people in attendance. Here are some comments from the audience:

1 It was awesome, liked it!
2 Excellent presentation!
3 It was great!

This lecture was very educational and entertaining, Dr. Corvino has a magical way of making a sensitive topic appeal to a diverse group.

Rayon Brown
Student Life Recreation Assistant
​Fox Valley Technical College

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
I actually just left your speech at Drake University and would like to thank you for coming. I was disappointed at the turn out, but I think that the entire audience who did come was very glad that they did. Speech topic aside; I think if we had more people come to campus who were as engaging, funny, and easy to listen to, more students would attend similar events. Even if you hadn't given your speech in such an effective manner, what you said was great. Walking back to my dorm my overall feeling was that finally someone had summed up the exasperation and disagreement I experience when such arguments are brought up, and better yet summed it up very convincingly and eloquently. I wish you luck on your other speeches in Iowa, and thank you again for coming.

Stephanie Garinger
​Drake University

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Dr. John Corvino captivated the NIH with his lecture: “Born or Made: What’s the Difference.” For the first time in the history of Salutaris, we had to turn people away from our Noons-In-June event due to over-crowding. Many people demanded that his presentation be webcast, for they complained that they don’t want to miss it.

Dr. Corvino’s topic struck a cord with many researchers here at the NIH. So much so that scientists e-mailed us enthusiastically about his presentation weeks before the event and continue to inquire on how to contact him. “It was like they were coming out of the woodwork” indicated Rob DeBellis, Chair of Salutaris.

Below are a few of the comments we have received.

“Thank you … for organizing such a high-caliber, succinct, yet thorough, presentation. Dr. John Corvino's presentation was an intellectual "breath of fresh air" that I feel is in far too short supply in our society. Again, thank you very much.”

“Last Friday I tried to attend this event, but was told that there were no more seats”

“This event was excellent! Will there be anymore like it this month?”

Program Organizer
​National Institutes of Health
Washington, DC

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
I first learned of Dr. John Corvino when a graduate student who I had never met before came to my office and told me the story of how John changed his life. Apparently, this student had been struggling with his sexual identity when he happened upon a video of John's lecture "What's Morally Wrong with Homosexuality?" Missing the question mark at the end of the title, the student expected to become convinced that his "lifestyle" was inherently depraved and find a way to change. Instead, he encountered John's logical, empirically sound, and even humorous debunking of the most common arguments against homosexuality. From that moment on, the student felt free to live his life as a gay man without the shame that had hindered him previously.

After hearing this student's story, I strongly urged the LGBT student group to bring John to campus. In the words of the Spectrum president, John is the best speaker this organization has ever sponsored in its ten years of existence. John translates his deep understanding of the complex moral debate surrounding homosexuality into a lively, thought-provoking, and penetrating presentation. Even our most skeptical Ethics students seemed to warm to his presence and felt comfortable engaging him in conversation about these sensitive issues. I have no doubt that he has changed the lives of my students by not just reassuring them, but by helping them to critically analyze popular rhetoric so that they might conclude for themselves that advancing LGBT rights is a critical piece of the larger struggle for human rights. As is evident, I believe John is an exemplary speaker and I highly recommend him to any other university.

Courtney Aberle
Coordinator, Women's Programs
​Southern Methodist University

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Below is the summary of an outstanding program that we just had on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus for Coming Out Week. I highly recommend it for any campus that is interested in doing some programming on sexual orientation…

Professor Corvino’s presentation, “What’s
​Morally Wrong with Homosexuality?” is highly entertaining and very substantive (unfortunately too rare a combination) – reviews from the students at the program were highly favorable, with those priceless comments such as “My brain really hurts from thinking so hard, but man, was that fun”.

The presentation is an ideal method for connecting campus programming with classroom experience. We especially appreciated Prof. Corvino’s genuine concern for student learning as he stayed for a long time after the presentation to talk with individual students and answer questions. I have seen this presentation on two campuses and he also has a gift for taking the pulse of the crowd (supportive, tolerant, intolerant) and meeting students on their levels. The presentation was also a great value in terms of quality for cost.

Adam Brigham
Coordinator, LGBT Resource Center
​University of Missouri – Columbia

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
I want to thank you, Professor Corvino, for your engaging and lively presentation on the campus of Morehead State University last evening. Not only was the content of your presentation carefully argued and well organized, but you were very impressive as a speaker and as a person. You covered a lot of ground but you were not in a rush; you were persuasive without being condescending or judgmental; and you were very gracious in response to every comment or question from the audience, even those that involved some degree of hostility. You also used humor very effectively.

I really appreciate your willingness to speak openly about sexuality in a cultural climate such as ours. It's a great example of how philosophy can be both relevant to the ordinary person and a catalyst for social change. The effects of discrimination are everywhere, but it gives me some hope to see an effective person challenge those patterns in a way that engages the mind. I will recommend your lecture without hesitation whenever I have the opportunity.

Dr. Scott A. Davison
Full Professor of Philosophy
​Morehead State University

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

/

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
I very much enjoyed your visit, and I appreciated your willingness to talk to both the CUPA and campus during our Pride Week. Your presentation was by far the highlight of the week. One of the professors shared a paper that her student had written after attending your presentation (no name was attached). I had our student assistant retype it, and it is attached. I thought you might enjoy seeing a bit of the impact you have had.

I look forward to our paths crossing again.

Jon Humiston
Assistant Affirmative Action Officer
​Central Michigan University

Title
/
Bestselling Author of Permanent Midnight and I, Fatty

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

Want to talk with us about John Corvino?