Gays in the GOP? Scott Hinkley

Not to split hairs, but I think the question is really if there is any room for openly gay leaders in the GOP. As we learn everyday, there are many gays working in all levels of the GOP. I am not suggesting that there is any culture of tolerance for homosexuality within the GOP or their religious base, but there certainly do seem to be many of actual homosexuals. In other circumstances I might see this as a ray of hope that could open the hearts and minds of those most closed to issues about sexuality (not to mention homosexuality), but in this case I find it a sad commentary on how much secrecy and self-loathing has been pressed upon gays and lesbians growing up in these communities.

It seems almost unbelievable to me how many "closet" gay leaders have emerged from the Republican ranks, and almost as unbelievable is the overwhelming number of gay republican leaders have voted against gay rights throughout their careers. Shouldn't this level of self-hatred, and the fact that is seems so at home within the firebrand politics of modern conservatism, worry us terribly, and make us doubt the capacity for those in leadership positions to behave with honesty and integrity? Our nation has been debating the military policy of "don't ask, don't tell" since it's first adoption. I think it is time we turn our focus to the GOPs policy of "we'll ask, but don't tell, or we'll destroy your life on principle." The only room for gays in the GOP is the ones they already have as high ranking leaders who are happier getting away with living a lie than with removing the culture of hate that drove them into the closet in the first place.

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