Letters
Gay, GOP
Dear Editor,
I thought, when I came out in 2002 at 36 years old, I had made it past the judgment. The truth is, unless you follow a certain pattern in the LGBT community, it will be the community that judges you. We say we seek tolerance and acceptance, but the truth is that’s only if you follow those who suggest you must be a liberal Democrat to fit in.
In 2002, not only did I come out, I switched parties to follow what I thought was necessary — a more liberal perspective. I would soon realize that perspective meant I had to abandon much of what I supported politically.
Many people want you to believe that to be gay, you must be a Democrat, and that the Republican Party hates gay people. That couldn’t be further from the truth, though some conservatives are still struggling with LGBT sexual orientation. The good news: Most have realized being gay is not a disease, and that gay people are not monsters or child molesters.
I wrote this letter because after more than 20 years in this community, and having been on both sides of the political spectrum, I’ve learned that it’s OK to be whatever you want to be: independent, Democrat and, yes, Republican. Your party affiliation doesn’t define you.
I just happen to be gay; I happen to be Republican; and that’s OK.
RANDY ROSS
Orlando, Fla.
