Perspective of a Gay Republican

As other bloggers have noted, we have just recently passed National Coming Out Day. This year, the celebration coincides with the Foley sex scandal in Washington. Some conservatives are trying to smear all GLBT people by suggesting that Foley's despicable behavior is characteristic of all GLBT people.

Now, more than ever, it is vital that GLBT individuals of all poltical persuasions confront the hate and ignorance coming from the conservative wing of the Republican party, but it is especially true for GLBT Republicans.

In that vein, here is a great article from an openly gay Republican staffer speaking about the struggle to be honest, and the price we pay for remaining in the closet.

I hope a war of introspection and decision is being waged within the minds of my gay GOP brethren who now live fearfully in the closet. Is it really worth it? At some point, you will have to own up to who you are. Or like Foley, former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey and others who walked the razor's edge, you too will slip, fall, and do incalculable damage along the way. I don't care what office you hold. It screws with your head. It's not worth it. How you must long for peace of mind. I remember.

The way to be a good Republican is to stand by your convictions, and right now that means to come out of the closet and confront the hate and bigotry that has taken control of the Republican party. This is our party too, but we cannot fight for equality when we are hiding in the closet.

Be brave, dear friends, for you are stronger than you think.