Young gay conservatives say their time has come

[tko_ak]

For those of you not aware, CPAC is an annual conference of the conservative coalition that is also a stomping ground for potential presidential aspirants. This year, there has been a big uproar - that has caused a fracture within the coalition - over the involvement of a gay conservative organization. Most members of CPAC were supportive, but

Comments

[somniumdraconae]

Interesting.

"This year, in fact, the conference even has its first openly gay likely presidential candidate: Former Ronald Reagan consultant Fred Karger."

But....

"despite its decision to include GOProud as a participating organization, the group "has consistently adhered to traditional family values as our policy," in the words of incoming chairman Al Cardenas. That includes opposition to same-sex marriage."

So, obviously, we're talking baby steps here. Like, baby ant steps. But hey, it's steps.

[tko_ak]

Change is always gradual, and conservatism by its very nature is resistant to change. But, it's a step in the right direction.

And there are, of course, more to gay rights than marriage equality. DADT may or may not be resolved, but there's still the issue of ENDA, DOMA repeal, civil unions, etc.

But hey, it's hard to make progress at all until you accept that not everyone is in lock step or that gays should be quarantined. They may be behind the curve, but at least they've made the first step of recognition. And while the organization may be officially against gay marriage, that view is not universally held by its participants. It's just a matter of time.

[redstar826]

Interesting post. It must be weird to be part of a group that isn't sure if it wants you. For all their faults, at least the Democrats are pretty welcoming at their events. I just got home from the Michigan Democratic Party convention, where there was an lgbt caucus, a civil rights panel that spend a sizable time talking about lgbt issues, and in general a lot of representation from gay rights activists. Plus, some pretty strong pro-lgbt rights resolutions as part of the resolutions package that I am sure will be adopted (the convention was still going on when I left, but I bailed early lol)

[tko_ak]

I think groups like GOProud are trying to make the point that it doesn't have to be one or the other.

[redstar826]

I think the big question is how much the party will listen. If the straw poll results are any indication, CPAC clearly trends more libertarian than the party as a whole.

Granted, I thank anything that tilts the Republicans away from their anti-gay positions is a good thing, but I also can see why a lot of folks aren't too sure about this.

[randomguy3]

A stream of participants walked up to the booth throughout the day to thank GOProud representatives for coming to the conference and, as Hissey put it, "for driving the wingnuts away."

Heh :-)

A friend of mine who is gay and has entangled himself in the machinations of the Conservative Party here in the UK had this spiel about how it was hard coming out to his parents, but in the end he just had to say "Mum, Dad, I'm a Tory." (the Tories being something of a nickname for the Conservative Party).

[gingerdavid]

Ha ha. Still, it could have been worse.

"Mum, Dad, I'm a LibDem."

[randomguy3]

Well, this was back when the Lib Dems were still liked by most of the people who didn't just ignore them.