The Gay Agenda: Have You Scored a Republican Card?

A couple weeks ago, a buddy and I were conversing and realized that it has been a while since “the boys” had gotten together for some quality time. When we say quality time, we mean catching up over appetizers and cocktails, airing each other’s dirty laundry over an exquisite meal with wine, and political arguments with dessert. The two of us made a quick guest list, scheduled an evening and sent out invites.
The dinner party ended up falling on the same day as the special election in Massachusetts, which of course became the topic of discussion well before dessert was served. Pre-dessert politics is very rare due to the fact that no one wants to sour their taste buds before the fork cuts into homemade tres leches and one must always have an exit plan if, after several glasses of wine, the conversation gets extremely heated.
As soon as the election started to be called by the networks, a few of us at the table began to receive updates on our phones and conversation ensued. As a proud member of the Clean Plate Club, I was basically licking my plate clean when the couple at the other end of the table shared that they both voted for John McCain in 2008.
My jaw dropped as I stared at the two of them and instantly inquired as to their reason for doing so. Admittedly, I wasn’t really listening for a rational answer and interjected my philosophy that a vote for McCain was a vote for Sarah Palin, a woman I consider to be one of the scariest political figures this country has ever produced.
I continued with a few talking points in support of Obama’s voting record while in the Illinois State Senate. After all, I had this well rehearsed after working on his campaign in North Dakota. This is the man that belongs to the party that has promised for years to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and work with the LGBT community for marriage equality.
After a healthy discussion amongst the table about the 2008 election and the composition of the 111th Congress, the conversation dissipated and focused on who had scored their Republican card. No, this is not a card identifying you as a loyal member of the Grand Old Party. Rather, it’s an invisible card, which is often flaunted among friends, identifying the fact that you had enjoyed the intimate company of a Republican. Some men are avid collectors, working to complete their deck by hooking up with Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, frat boys, jocks, sailors, pilots, hippies, and the list goes on. Not one of our most intellectual conversations.
This past fall, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was signed into law with strong bipartisan support. During President Obama’s first State of the Union address, he urged Congress to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, which would allow gay and lesbian service members to serve openly and not be required to live a closeted, dual existence while protecting our nation. A week later, reports from Pentagon officials state that Secretary Robert Gates is seeking a way to slowly implement a change in policy, which may take years.
Three years ago, we had nearly passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, affording employment protection for LGBT Americans, but withheld a vote on it in the Senate due to the removal of protection of transgendered Americans and President Bush promising a veto. Obama campaigned that he would sign this important legislation, but Congress continues to not advance it, even with a Democratic majority, as now there is fear of not having enough votes in the Senate. What happened between the spring of 2007 and now? I thought we had worked hard as a community to elect Republicans and Democrats in 2008 that supported LGBT equality.
Which party is the true “Party of No” when it comes to our issues? I think it’s time I start looking for an Independent card to add to my deck.

Questions and comments: joshua.boschee@yahoo.com