Coming out as a gay conservative

[PATMAN]

I just voted conservative in Tuesday's election up here

 

[G-Lexington]

Welcome to JUB! You're very right to be concerned. Conservative gays are quite often considered to be "self-haters" by many other gays. Your best bet is to simply not talk politics when in a large group. If asked about your views, present them simply, and without attacking...but fully expect to be attacked in return.

Sorry - wish it wasn't like this. If you're in the USA, you might look up the Log Cabin Republicans to see if there's a group nearby.

Lex

 

[UC3543]

I hear you, I am also conservative, in fact very conservative. My boyfriend didn't believe me for the longest time and even now he thinks I just say I am just to make him mad.

 

[maxpowr9]

Im a libertarian which is a bit different than conservative.

I honestly would rethink your political perspective. A conservative is one who is for economic freedoms but against "social" freedoms. You really can't be conservative and 'pro-gay'. Know the political spectrum honey.

Anyways, my advice for you candidly is that if and when you start to date guys, don't make politics your focal point, no matter how passionate you may be about the subject. Although this may be self-evident to alot of people, many forget the three taboos of 'public' conversations...

1. Religion
2. Politics
3. Sex/relationships

I am not saying don't talk about these things in a public forum, but when you do, you are more than likely going to bring up some debating, which can completely turn-off a prospective boyfriend.

 

[Sportsguy313]

This is my first post, but I'm conservative also....

And I really don't understand the hatred for them. The Dems are usually better for gay issues, but that's ONE issue. And this year neither Obama nor McCain are for gay marriage anyway. And for all those liberals who continually insult republicans and their politicians, GROW UP.

Think about this.....gay people want acceptance and support. They have mindset that's considered abnormal by many people, and want to fit into society. They want respect and to be treated equally well despite having different views from mainstream society. But yet, when politics come up gays will insult and disgrace people who don't share their own views. How hypocritical is that? Really? It's just childish. All people have different opinions and views, that's human nature. And to criticize people who don't share your political view, is just the same as straight people who criticize gays.

 

[youngnihilist]

From one gay conservative to another you'd have to accept that a lot of other gays won't even talk to you if you're a Republican. Since I dont' care much about politics at all (i.e. not really caring if Obama wins, except higher taxes I just keep my mouth shut. You as an outspoken activist may encounter some extra discrimination. Good luck!

 

[Caeth]

You're not alone! I consider myself independent but I'm definitely conservative on a lot of issues...and I'm a McCain fan. There's nothing mutually exclusive about being gay and republican.

 

[hanshansen]

The Dems are usually better for gay issues, but that's ONE issue.

This is the key point, in my view. When you support a party you're supporting an entire package of positions on different issues. It's an on balance decision. Single-issue voters will always have a problem with that.

Not that I'd be a Republican if I was living in the US, but that's for a host of other reasons.

 

[sixthson]

I'm really much more concerned about being outcast in the gay community for my politics--

There are worse things in life.

If you goal in life is to be loved and accepted by everyone, you are in for a big disappointment. Being gay adds one more reason for others to disapprove of you, but certainly not the only reason. It's best to be true to yourself and your ideals and let the chips fall where they may.

If you are going to be a man (not just a gay man) you will need to stand up for what you believe in, even if most of those around you cast you aside for it. It won't be easy, but it will be right.

All my life I have heard: you can't be gay and politically conservative, you can't be gay and be a Christian, you can't be gay and be a father, you can't be gay and be happy.
I can be anything I want to be and others can reject me if they want. Their loss.

 

[relaxin13]

Hey, even if I don't agree completely with your political leanings, I'm happy to know you are at least informed enough to have views. In my mind is it much worse for people to have no idea what they want their country to be.

 

[Tizinsane]

I'm an independent with right wing and libertarian leanings. In fact, I just filled out my absentee ballot today. Voted McCain (not sure what difference that will make in the socialist swamp known as Massachusetts).

But fuck people, be yourself and stand up for what you believe in.

 

[Aaron]

I just voted conservative in Tuesday's election up here

Me too!!

 

[drhladnjak]

To be a gay conservative is one thing, a gay Republican another. It's perfectly reasonable to hold certain views, but I personally wouldn't want to be part of a political party that not only is actively against my existence in their official platform but uses me and others like me as a scapegoat to rally the base of their party.

 

[KaraBulut]

What are your thoughts on this? How do average gay people feel about conservative gays?

There are openly gay men who have similar points of view. Andrew Sullivan and David Drier are a couple that come to mind. Unfortunately, there are also plenty of hypocrites like Roy Cohn, Mark Foley, Larry Craig, et al who fall into that category who did a lot of damage to the image of "gay conservatives".

A suggestion- stop referring to yourself as "a conservative". It is a word- like "liberal" that has no meaning in the current times in the US.

If you believe that the government has stay out of the private life of its citizens, then say it that way. There are plenty of other people of different sexualities and different political affiliations who agree with that viewpoint.

If you believe that social programs should be limited for economic reasons, then say that. You'll find plenty of other people who share that point of view.

Gay people- Democrat and Republican- who have a wide variety of views on issues. Where they get into trouble is when stop looking for common ground and instead rely upon labels like liberal and conservative to define only their differences.

And another suggestion- if you're going to continue to be "outspoken" on your political beliefs, then be as outspoken on your sexuality.

 

[heymikey]

I just voted conservative in Tuesday's election up here

Yeah, I also voted for the Conservatives during the Canadian election. I'm more libertarian thouh in my political leanings. It is just sad how the religious nutcase hijacked the Republican party in the US.

 

[seven_sins]

I am a classical liberal. Classical liberalism is a belief in personal freedom and limited government, principles that this country was founded on. Libertarians have similar views as classical liberals, and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.

Modern liberalism departed from classical liberalism during the great depression of the '30s. The hardships of that period are impossible to fathom by our consumer driven society of today. If we have another such depression, modern conservatism will be a thing of the past.

The political views of most conservatives I know are founded mainly on their prejudices. The thing I find so frustrating is how they inject their beliefs into every conversation. They have to have a whipping boy to make every point. I was talking to a mechanic with dirty hands last week who offered his elbow to shake instead of his hand. He said that his hands might be dirty but they weren't as black as Obama's. That was totally uncalled for, but it was typical of what I have come to expect from conservatives. They think and wear their political dogma 24/7, reminding me of a dog that just has to bark.

 

[M4P]

You are who you are and if you can justify your political views I see no big deal

I voted Conservative in our last election because I felt the party had the best plan for our country

 

[pisces_ken02]

I just can't picture a gay person being conservative.. but that's your choice.

As an African American.. there is no way in hell I could support a Republican after the racists attacks they have made in this campaign. The entire party is made up of uneducated rednecks. Just look at the YouTube videos showing what they think of a black person running for President... I just can't do it.

 

[Telstra]

Once you are a republican or a democrat, it is very hard to change sides.

Its like a football team really. You just support the team no matter how bad they are.

 

[Tizinsane]

It's not wise to think all Dems are "wonderful" accepting tolerant people . In fact, i've chatted with several LIBERAL OBAMA SUPPORTERS who mock blacks and make offensive jokes about minorities.

There are racist Republicans AND racist Democrats. Racist whites AND racist blacks....remember that.