Open Forum: Is the GOP Becoming the Gay Old Party?

The Republican party and the Conservative movement has not been known for their pro-gay stance. On the contrary they are known as touting "traditional family values" and promoting the concept of marriage as solely between one man and one woman. Many republicans also want to deny gays the right to serve their country, and be protected from hate crimes and employment discrimination. The Grand Old Party (GOP) has often used the issue of homosexuality as a wedge issue and a scare tactic to rile up their conservative Christian base.

Lately there has been some indication that many in the movement no longer want to be aligned with the anti-gay politics and bigotry associated with the right-wing. The younger generation of Republicans have grown up in a culture more tolerant of homosexuality, they have gay friends, have seen the subject brought up on TV and in movies and feel differently than their parents do on the issue. Take for example Meghan McCain daughter of failed Presidential candidate John McCain who is an ardent supporter of LGBT rights and marriage equality. Former Republican Governor Christine Whitman has told the GOP to remove same-sex marriage opposition from the party platform. Even lifelong Republican and Fox News contributor Margaret Hoover has joined the fight for marriage equality.

The people above are only a few examples of conservative individuals who have spoken out in favor of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Many other young voices are urging for the party to stop divisive attempts at silencing gay people in favor of promoting a more libertarian point of view of tolerance and freedom for all.

Over the weekend the Conservative Political Action Conference(CPAC) met and while the views are far from gay friendly, even in this conservative bastion change appears to be at hand. As insignificant as it may seem, allowing the GOProud a gay conservative group to table and sponsor the event was a big and controversial deal.

Take a look at what happened when anti-gay bigot Ryan Sorba spoke poorly of CPAC for allowing GOProud to attend:


He was booed for criticizing CPAC for allowing GOProud to attend. The room full of conservatives stood in support of CPAC's decision.

Is there a wave of change coming in the conservative movement? Are these just a few voices or is this indicative of a much larger revolution within the party? Perhaps the conservative movement is realizing that the younger generation do not see homosexuality as a political issue and the political tide is turning.

Word of the Gay: "Homocon"

"Homocon" is a term for political/cultural/religious/economic conservatives who also identify as LGBT.

Minnesota Gay Republican To Vote Against Marriage Equality

"Minnesota State Sen. Paul Koering, R-Fort Ripley, told KLKS on Friday that he will not vote for the Marriage and Family Protection Act, a bill that would make Minnesota’s marriage laws gender-neutral, allowing same-sex couples many of the rights currently denied by Minnesota statute. Koering, who is gay and a Republican, said he would vote against it because the state faces bigger problems.

“I think some of the gay activists will be upset with me for this, but sometimes I think an agenda is pushed so far and so fast that people have no alternative but to push back,” Koering told Raw Story at the time. “And I think that sometimes you have to move slowly." (Minnesota Independent News)

This is a pot of gold for the right wing! Tell Mr. Koering we have enough enemies opposed to equality and that it's one thing not to bring up the legislation but quite another to vote against it once it comes up for a vote.

100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
State Office Building, Room 131
St. Paul, MN 55155-1206
651.296.4875
sen.paul.koering@senate.mn

Activist Tip: Inquire About Candidates Positions

Wherever you are in the world, and whatever political affiliation your representative has in your local area, ie: liberal, conservative, moderate, etc you can ask their opinion on LGBT issues. Tell them you are a staunch supporter of LGBT rights including (marriage, adoption, hate crimes, employment non-discrimination, the right to serve and others).

Phone or email your candidates for senate, congress, city council, and the courts and let them know where you as a constitute stands on these crucial issues. The more we speak up, the more we will be heard, and we can demonstrate that we are a segment of the population that can and does get out the vote!

Feel free to re-post the comments you receive from candidates whether positive, neutral, or negative.

Republican State Lawmaker Files Pro-Gay Bill

Busting wide open two common stereotypes, a pro-gay bill was introduced by a Republican legislator in Virginia’s lower house that would allow Virginia companies to provide life insurance to partners of gay employees. Virginia law currently restricts supplemental life insurance coverage to legal spouses and dependent children under 19 or 25 if the child is a full-time student. The new bill, filed by Delegate Tom Rust (R-Fairfax), would open that up to allow coverage to anyone “mutually… agreed upon by the insurer and the group policyholder.”

Please contact and thank Mr. Tom Rust for being proactive and supporting gay employees.

Delegate Tom Rust
730 Elden Street
Herndon, VA 20172

Legislative Office
(703) 437-9400

Crossposted by Box Turtle Bulletin

Send George W. Bush a Retirement Card!

After eight years of treating gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans like second-class citizens, George W. Bush is about to leave office. Send him your own personal retirement card celebrating this historic occasion.

Send Bush a personalized Happy Trails card from the LGBT community and allies.

Help Pro-Equality Candidate Win Senate Seat in Georgia!

Help elect pro-equality Democrat Jim Martin in the Tuesday, December 2nd run-off election in Georgia. Incumbent Republican Saxby Chambliss has a 0% rating on issues important to us, even voting for a same-sex adoption ban!

Jim Martin on LGBT issues:

-Expand federal hate crimes laws to include LGBT citizens.

-Expand federal workplace equality laws.

-Increase funding for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and education.

-Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell

-Supports Civil Unions

-Protect adoption rights for same-sex couples.

-Opposes discriminatory federal marriage amendment.

http://martinforsenate.com/

Anti-gay Alaska Senator Ted Stevens Loses Seat

In a closely contested race the AP is now reporting that Mark Begich (D) has defeated incumbent Senator Ted Stevens (R) of Alaska. Senator Ted Stevens has received a zero rating from the Human Rights Campaign indicating an anti-LGBT voting record.

While Mark Begich's views are not as well known on the issue of gay rights, early indications appear positive. He has appeared at the Anchorage Pride Parade and read the city proclamation marking the third Saturday in June as Gay Pride Day. He attended Pride Fest every year since becoming mayor. He has also come out on the record saying it is wrong to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.

Senator Ted Stevens losing is a great way forward for LGBT rights, regardless of his replacement, but it appears we have a friend in Mark Begich.

Rebuild The Party - Feedback Forum for the GOP

The Grand Old Party, hasn't exactly been the Gay Old Party, at least not openly. The Republicans after suffering major defeats at the polls this month are looking for suggestions to move forward. I am sure you have plenty ideas of your own.

Here are some of my ideas (feel free to steal them) in your message to the GOP.

-Stop using gays and lesbians as a political wedge issue.

-Remove language from the party platform that seeks to eliminate rights based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

-Be more inclusive of the Log Cabin Republicans an (LGBT GOP organization).

-Less government means no constitutional amendments, and not policing what people do in their homes/bedrooms.

http://ideas.rebuildtheparty.com/

Log Cabin Republicans are Vital to LGBT Liberation

In an interview on CNN prior to the election, Patrick Sammon of the Log Cabin Republicans makes a strong point that I agree with about working within the system:

"It's important to work from inside the party to make it better, because ultimately gay rights will be impossible to achieve unless there is support from both republicans and democrats"

Granted this blog proudly supported and is enthusiastic about the Obama win but in fairness to the spirit of our LGBT brothers and sisters who are trying to create reform and change for our lives in the republican party I think it is equally important for us to support their efforts to create change within the GOP.

http://online.logcabin.org/

Demand Apology from Conservative Talk Show Host Lars Larson

"On the October 31 broadcast of his nationally syndicated radio show, Lars Larson played a spoof "Barney Frank for President" advertisement, in which a person said: "Hi, everybody. I'm Barney Frank and I'm running for president of the United States. Why? Well, because Nancy Pelosi pissed me off. Harry Reid pissed me off, and so did ol' Barack. Ol' Barack himself pissed me off too. I'm pissed at the Repubicans and the Democraps, and I'm going to run as an independent sort of fellow." The ad concludes: "Now remember, this Erection Day -- Election Day, vote for Barney Frank for President. I'm Barney Fag -- uh, Frank and I approve this massage -- message."



Regardless about how you feel about Barney Frank, the Democrats, or the bailout there is no excuse for homophobic language.

Email the producers of the national show.

Contact Lars Larson himself.

Senator McConnell - Do You Have Any Skeletons in Your CLOSET?

Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has a notoriously anti-gay voting record. Senator McConell scores a 0% percent from the Human Rights Campaign on LGBT issues. He has consistently voted for a same-sex marriage ban, against adding sexual orientation to hate crimes legislation and job employment non-discrimination acts.

Well, now people are calling for an investigation into his records as to why he was dismissed from the U.S. military. It is suspect that he may have been dismissed because of homosexual activity. Another closeted-republican hypocrite? Maybe.

The blog world is mixed on the decision to release this ad, because it is playing into voters fears and homophobia. Mike Rogers over at BlogActive writes "Why give what by many is seen to be homophobia by many any legs?" While Michelangelo Signorile over at The Gist sees it differently saying:"Yes, the people pushing it are no doubt trying to appeal to homophobia in many voters. But they are also appealing to my -- and presumably many Kentucky voters' -- desire not to have a hypocrite and liar in office. And that's not a bad thing."

As always activism has different tactics and opinions, we can all agree though that we want to see this anti-gay politician out of his bullying pulpit.

http://mcconnell.senate.gov/contact_form.cfm

Republicans Against 8 - Reagan & Schwarzenegger both said NO to Anti-Gay Measures

Virgil Goode (R-VA) - Ties to Gay Film Eden's Curve?

Republican congressman Virgil Goode of Virginia (rated 0% on LGBT rights by HRC) is under investigation by Mike Stark of Accountability Moments and by our friend Mike Rogers of BlogActive for an earmark scandal and possible connection to gay film Eden's Curve.



BlogActive and Accountability Moments is asking us to take action:

STEP ONE: Click HERE to send an email to the state legislators in and near Goode's House district and send them this story. Ask them to ask Virgil Goode the following questions:

1. What exactly are the personal relationships between Virgil Goode, Linwood Duncan and Jerry Meadors?
2. How was this earmark connected to Linwood Duncan’s acting break?
3. How does Virgil Goode square his condemnation of gay and lesbian Americans while helping to make Eden’s Curve?
4. How many other films exploring gay issues has Virgil Goode been involved with?
5. Can we gain access to the records that document how the $150,000 earmark was spent?

STEP 2: Please help us put a copy of this movie with -- printed background information -- in every pastor's mailbox in the district. Shouldn't the right wing, family values crowd know what Virgil Goode is up to? Shouldn't voters in Goode's district want these questions answered?

Video on Anti-Gay McCain and His Gay Chief of Staff

Sarah "Book Banning" Palin's Vendetta Against Gay Books

We reported earlier about Sarah Palin's pro-censorship position regarding books in her local library of Wasilla Alaska, while she was mayor. ABC reported that Palin wanted specific books banned but those reports have likely been unsubstantiated, fact remains she did inquire about the process of removing books, three times!

Now according to the New York Times some colleagues of Mrs. Palin have said she wanted to remove a children's book called "Daddy's Roommate" for gay families that helps kids understand different family structures.

"But in 1995, Ms. Palin, then a city councilwoman, told colleagues that she had noticed the book “Daddy’s Roommate” on the shelves and that it did not belong there, according to Ms. Chase and Mr. Stein. Ms. Chase read the book, which helps children understand homosexuality, and said it was inoffensive; she suggested that Ms. Palin read it.

“Sarah said she didn’t need to read that stuff,” Ms. Chase said. “It was disturbing that someone would be willing to remove a book from the library and she didn’t even read it.”

“I’m still proud of Sarah,” she added, “but she scares the bejeebers out of me.”

Sarah Palin is a grave threat to our civil liberties as Americans and in particular a danger to the LGBT community. There is no doubt in my mind that QU made the right decision in endorsing the Obama/Biden ticket.

Republicans Against Proposition 8

"Republicans Against 8 is a Campaign Committee of concerned California Republicans who believe in limited government, personal responsibility, the maintenance of Constitutionally-protected rights and freedoms, and in protecting California’s business climate.

Republicans Against 8 was founded by the Log Cabin Republicans, the nation’s largest coalition of gay and lesbian Republicans, and their allies. The Log Cabin Republicans were founded in 1978, when they joined with Gov. Ronald Reagan to fight Proposition 6, the “Briggs Amendment,” which would have banned gay and lesbian Californians from teaching in public schools.

Today, Republicans Against 8 stands with another California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to fight for fundamental freedoms—the principle that all Californians’ right to marry should be treated fairly and equally under the law."

http://www.republicansagainst8.com/

The GOP Wants to Hear from You!

The Grand Old Party (GOP - AKA Republicans) wants to hear from ordinary citizens like YOU about their 2008 platform.

http://www.gopplatform2008.com/

You can submit a text entry or video entry with your input on what the party's position should be moving forward.

Some possible talking points are, but not limited to:

-Supporting a repeal on Don't Ask Don't Tell.

-Stop using same-sex marriage as a wedge issue, and to either come out in favor of it or to atleast stop calling for a constitutional amendment banning it.

-Support same-sex couple adoption rights.

-Support domestic partnerships/civil unions for gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans couples.

-Support comprehensive safe-sex education (including proper information on LGBT issues and HIV prevention.

-Support funding HIV/AIDS research and outreach on and to MSM populations who need it most.

Log Cabin Republicans Endorse LGBT-Friendly Conservatives

"The Log Cabin Republicans, a national gay group, announced its first wave of endorsements for incumbent candidates in the House and Senate.

“We’re proud to endorse these six lawmakers for re-election,” said Log Cabin President Patrick Sammon. “They’re strong allies and they have excellent records on issues of basic fairness for gay and lesbian Americans. They have stood with us. We are proud to stand with them during the upcoming campaign. We look forward to helping them win re-election.

“These members of Congress represent the future of the Republican Party,” said Sammon. “They support a unifying agenda and they believe, as we do, that the Republican Party must be a big tent party that welcomes everyone.”

More information on these lawmakers:

Senator Gordon Smith is one of Log Cabin’s strongest allies in the U.S. Senate. He has fought for basic fairness for gay and lesbian Americans—leading the fight in the Senate for hate crimes and HIV/AIDS legislation. Smith co-sponsored the Early Treatment for HIV Act and the Matthew Shepard (hate crimes) Act. He has also led the way in fighting for basic fairness in tax legislation, recently introducing the Tax Equity for Domestic Partner and Health Plan Beneficiaries Act and the Domestic Partnership Benefits & Obligations Act.

Senator Susan Collins is a leader on issues important to gay and lesbian Americans. She is a strong supporter of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and is a co-sponsor of the Matthew Sheppard Act. Sen. Collins opposed the anti-family federal marriage amendment and has also been a leader in the Senate on HIV/AIDS funding. Recently, Sen. Collins pressed Joint Chiefs Chairman Admiral Michael Mullen on the harmful “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law. During a Senate hearing, Collins expressed growing concern that the loss of gay service members under the law is harming our nation’s security.

Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack stood with Log Cabin and opposed the anti-family federal marriage amendment. She also voted for the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Plus, she’s a leading Congressional advocate for sound HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention policies. She’s a co-sponsor of the Early Treatment for HIV Act and led efforts in the House to re-authorize the Ryan White CARE Act.

Congressman Mark Kirk voted against the anti-family federal marriage amendment. He is the lead Republican co-sponsor of the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Hate Crimes Prevention Act and supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is a co-sponsor of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act. She has provided a powerful conservative voice in the fight to end the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law. She voted against the anti-family federal marriage amendment. She also supports the hate crimes bill, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the Early Treatment for HIV Act. Most recently, Ros-Lehtinen has spoken out forcefully against human rights violations of LGBT citizens abroad, particularly in radical Islamic regimes. She has also urged fair treatment of gay and lesbian employees of the U.S. State Department.

Congressman Christopher Shays is the lead Republican co-sponsor of the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. He is also a strong supporter of the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act and a co-sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. He voted against the anti-family federal marriage amendment and is a strong supporter of sound HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention policies.

“We’re proud to endorse these six lawmakers for re-election,” said Log Cabin President Patrick Sammon. “They’re strong allies and they have excellent records on issues of basic fairness for gay and lesbian Americans. They have stood with us. We are proud to stand with them during the upcoming campaign. We look forward to helping them win re-election."

"Why I'm Voting Republican!"

I couldn't resist sharing this fantastic video. It isn't specifically queer, however, there is a lesbian couple in it talking about their denial of marriage rights.

Please spread this video far and wide...