D GREGORY SMITH, MA, LMHC, LCPC | Special to LGBTQ Nation

  • Bishop Gene Robinson: Lover of social justice (and ice cream)

    Bishop Gene Robinson: Lover of social justice (and ice cream)

    This man, the first openly gay ordained bishop in the history of Christendom has become something more than himself — and he realizes it. And he realizes it with such humility, cheer and even delight that it can’t help but be infectious. And he was so kind to me personally, even asking me to call him “Gene.”

  • The Pope chooses war — I choose self-defense

    The Pope chooses war — I choose self-defense

    With the rhetoric being used by the Pope to his bishops, I have every reason to believe that these are not words of someone struggling to understand the reality of LGBT persons, these are the orders of attack given by a supreme commander to his highest officials.

  • Often overlooked, Sisters are at the forefront of equality

    Often overlooked, Sisters are at the forefront of equality

    Nuns have been on the cutting edge of social issues (it can be argued) for over a thousand years. What you may not know is this: they are also some of the fiercest advocates of social justice for LGBT persons.

  • Greg Louganis fans want Olympic diver on ‘Dancing With The Stars’

    Greg Louganis fans want Olympic diver on ‘Dancing With The Stars’

    Anyone who has watched Olympic champion Greg Louganis do his thing from a diving board knows that he possesses grace, power, determination and skill. But can he move on the dance floor? Louganis’ Facebook fans have launched a campaign to encourage “Dancing With the Stars” producers to cast Louganis for the show.

  • Looking back, and looking forward — Are we getting complacent about HIV?

    Looking back, and looking forward — Are we getting complacent about HIV?

    Janus was the Roman God of Thresholds, of transition, of beginnings and ending. He is often depicted with two faces, one for looking forward and one for looking back. January, the beginning month of the new year is named for Janus, and so, it’s natural that humans take this time to look back — and look forward — at the approach of the New Year…

  • Remembering the darkness and terror 30 years ago when AIDS made itself known

    Remembering the darkness and terror 30 years ago when AIDS made itself known

    This time of the year is probably the best time (at least in our hemisphere) for World AIDS Day. Our twenty four hour days are filled with more darkness than light in December than any other month of the year. In some places it can be very dark and dreary, indeed. It’s an appropriate time of the year to remember the darkness of HIV.

  • Shut The (Bleep) Up

    Shut The (Bleep) Up

    Candidates are actively interrupting scientific communication in this country. Blatantly standing up in the middle of the show and making factual inferences with fantastical statements. Distracting people from the reality hiding behind the curtain with a little folksy humor or superstitious nonsense. And I’m annoyed.

  • Michele Bachmann — (Submissive) Theologian?

    Michele Bachmann — (Submissive) Theologian?

    Michele Bachmann has championed the “Christian” cause, sprinkling her speeches with scripture and holy buzzphrases. But one in particular caught my ear.