Steven Petrow

Gay cop faces harassment Q: I started working as a police officer just last year. When I was first hired, pretty much everyone asked me why I’m not married. Then came the gay jokes. I’ve tried to let it go since I’m still a rookie, but it seems like they know I’m gay and want […]

The Cameron Village incident Q: Was there anything improper about the lesbian couple who held hands at the Cameron Village mall in Raleigh, kissed each other lightly and then were asked by a security officer to leave the premises? A: I read about this story too, and no, they weren’t doing anything wrong. I actually […]

“We want to help other kids fight bullying” Q: It’s been so upsetting to the queer kids at my middle school to hear about all the teen suicides lately and the awful bullying going on. One guy I know got punched in the face recently and his Facebook page was smeared with homophobic comments like […]

When the family tree gets complicated Q: I teach fifth grade, and every fall we study genealogy and create what are called “family trees.” I have a new student this year who has two dads, and I think he’s adopted. How do I handle this topic appropriately in class? A: First of all, kudos to […]

“I’m not stalking him, but I do know everything about my Facebook date” Q: I connected with this really nice guy on Facebook and have been perusing his profile ever since. We’re actually going to meet for coffeeas our first date. So am I allowed to “know” as much as I do about him? I […]

Sex when you’re a houseguest Q: My boyfriend “Alexander” and I are going to be visiting some close friends at their summer house next weekend. He really likes the idea of getting hot and heavy while we’re there; I think it’s rude to have sex at someone’s house when you’re a guest. What do you […]

Dress code for Gay Pride Q: I’m looking forward to my city’s pride celebration later this month but wondering if you have some suggestions on a “dress code” for those in attendance. On a day that our community gets so much attention from the news media and from straight people, I think it’s a shame […]

Q: My boyfriend and I have been dating for about three months. He told me that he and his ex-partner broke up before we met, but I just found out that they’re still having sex. I’m furious, but I’m not sure I could say everything I want to say to his face. I think that […]

Wasn’t that a one-night stand? Q: Here’s the deal. We met at a bar, had a couple of drinks, went back to his place and had great sex. Period. End of story. Or so I thought. As I was leaving, he asked me for my number so that we could “get together again.” I thought […]

When to tell your date that you’re transgender? Q: I’ve told men up front that I’m male-to-female trans (I date straight guys), and I’ve also waited until longer into the relationship, and I still don’t know which is the better approach. I don’t want them to be disappointed (or to lose their attention), but I […]