Gay Today: Quote

Quotes & Quips

Compiled By Jack Nichols

Australia's Unacceptable Risks

A great divide has developed between Australia's Catholic bishops and Rome over the bishops' attempts to deal with priests who have been accused of sexual abuse…The Australians believe any priest or other Catholic employee who poses an "unacceptable risk" to others should be removed as quickly as possible. Canon law, as interpreted by Rome, demands a slower, more certain and, many would argue, less effective approach. The result is a stand-off.

Karen Kissane-- The Age newspaper, Melbourne, Australia, December 15

Satanic Panic: Christian Coalition
Activists Up Against The Devil

At the Coalition's Road To Victory Conference, Florida CC affiliate staffer Carolyn Kunkel tells caucus-goers that their Orlando office is under attack by Satan. In evidence, she notes that the photocopier and fax machine have been "acting up" and says the office sent an e-mail alert that contained a virus to 5,000 people. At a workshop, New Mexico Coalition executive director Paige McKenzie says Satan controls the nation's broadcast media, noting that the Bible describes Satan as the "prince of the air." (September, 2000)

Americans United for the Separation of Church & State-"Guerillas And Bodybags And Sharks…Oh, My!: A Short History Of Pat Robertson's Christian Coalition" www.au.org

Haunted by a Thousand Fairy Forms

These myths were born of hopes, and fears, and tears, and smiles, and they were touched and colored by all there is of joy and grief between the rosy dawn of birth and death's sad night. They clothed even the stars with passion, and gave to gods the faults and frailties of the sons of men. In them the winds and waves were music, and all the lakes, and streams and springs-the mountains, woods and perfumed dells were haunted by a thousand fairy forms.

Robert G. Ingersoll-Preface to Some Mistakes of Moses-Washington, D.C., October 7, 1879.

A Florida Mayor Banishes Satan

The proclamation, on official stationery with a gold seal, says: "Be it known from this day forward that Satan, ruler of darkness, giver of evil, destroyer of what is good and just, is not now, nor ever again will be, a part of this town of Inglis. Satan is hereby declared powerless, no longer ruling over, nor influencing, our citizens."

Ananova--http://www.ananova.com November 30

A More Demented Pope?

What is worrying the Vatican is the crisis that would arise if John Paul lapsed into dementia or became incapacitated. Then, as one senior insider said, "we have trouble". The Vatican press office - usually reluctant even to discuss the possibility - recently admitted there was no mechanism in place to deal with an incapacitated Pope. "There is virtually no back-up procedure," an official said. Surprisingly, given that Popes are elected for life, it is a crisis that has not been faced in modern times.

Bruce Wilson-"Cardinals jockey for Vatican Throne"-Sunday Herald Sun, Australia, December 16

Showtime Airs Queer Duck on January 23

Queer Duck is written by three-time Emmy winner Mike Reiss (The Simpsons, The Critic). The series featuring the lives of gay cartoon characters will launch Jan. 23 on SHO.com.

"Showtime airs, streams 'Duck'--The Hollywood Reporter, December 13 www.hollywoodreporter.com

Media Shrinks Trying to Explain Mohamed Atta

Time magazine observes that he lived in a pink house. For readers incapable of making out the fine print, The National Enquirer renders it plain as day: ''World Trade Center terrorist Mohamed Atta and several of his bloody henchmen led secret gay lives for years.''…Atta's friends claim that he was incensed by an American-backed repressive Egyptian regime, the gulf war and the Oslo peace accords. But talking about these issues might force a reconsideration of U.S. foreign policy. How much more fun to play shrink than to rethink America's role in the world.

Corey Robin-"Closet-Case Studies"-- New York Times Magazine, December 16

Gay Serial Killer/Slasher Films: A Tenuous Defense

If Mediawatch thinks either the filmmakers or myself are really harming civilization then I am flattered. However, I would suggest that the way in which people watch films and relate to protagonists is a little more complex than just thinking that a serial killer is 'cool' or whatever, I'd suggest that identification is schizophrenic and switches across protagonists as a narrative progresses…Also, to put it bluntly, I think that people understand the difference between reality and fantasy.

Jack Sergeant-"Gay Serial Killer Films Spark Row"-Press Release

A Catastrophic Vice

Until thought is linked with purpose there is no intelligent accomplishment. With most people, the bark of thought is allowed to drift upon the ocean of life. Aimlessness is a vice, and such drifting must not continue for those who would steer clear of catastrophe and destruction.

James Allen-As You Think , New World Library, 1987

A Salvation Army of Contradictions

Ok, now what the heck is going on here? The Salvation Army send me a flyer with a bunch of queens on it and says they employ qualified candidates regardless of their sexual orientation, but their own senior officials are telling the Washington Post that hiring gays would chew away at who they really are, and they work behind the scenes deals to protect their right to discriminate against us. Sounds like someone has taken a few messaging lessons from Gary Condit.

John Aravosis-The List, December 10 www.wiredstrategies.com