A Disastrous Equation

同志 + 妻子 = 同妻

Yet another brilliant article from the Economist about the pressures on gay men to get married, and the disappointment and betrayal the women who marry them feel when they find out. Unfortunaly, the concept of familial duty is so strong in some Chinese families that, in a way, even this burden is worth bearing than the prospect of "losing face".

The comments are enlightening, because if you think that this is a China-only phenomenon, do take a look at the Straight Spouse Network. It is a global issue, for which support is avaialble.

First In, Last Out

James Randi has just come out. At the ripe age of 81, the pseudoscience skeptic and debunker who writes the ever entertaining and informative Swift blog decided that it was time:

I should apologize for having used Swift as the venue to publish this note, an item that is hardly the focus of what we promote and publish here, but I chose the single most public asset I have to make this statement. It’s from here that I have attacked irrationality, stupidity, and irresponsibility, and it is my broadest platform. Here is where I have chosen to stand and fight.

And I think that I have already won this battle by simply publishing this statement.

Bravo!