Can a member of the LGBT community consider themselves conservative? Thanks to stereotypes of both groups, the easy answer might be to say, “no way”. But the less obvious answer is actually closer to the truth; of course they can. The first clue is that stereotypes tend to be based on misconceptions.
Some common stereotypes and misconceptions about conservatives include that they are all:
- Wealthy
- Old
- White
- Uneducated
- Against progress and change
- Religious extremists
- Homophobic
- Racist
- Against social welfare programs
Although I’m sure some people fit some of the stereotypes above, I honestly feel that most people don’t fit them.
There are just about as many stereotypes and misconceptions about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people as well. Some of the most common include:
- All LGBT people are promiscuous and engage in casual sex
- LGBT people are all “out” and flamboyant
- Being LGBT is a choice
- LGBT people are mentally ill or emotionally unstable
- All transgender people are gay
- Bisexual people are just gay or straight and trying to be trendy
- Lesbians are man-hating
- Gay men are all feminine
These stereotypes are not only untrue but can be harmful and lead to discrimination, prejudice and violence against LGBT people.
It’s important to remember that individuals can hold a wide range of beliefs and opinions, and it is unfair to make assumptions about a person based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, or based on their political affiliation.
As a matter of fact, there are actually a couple of LGBT conservative organizations; namely, Log Cabin Republicans and Outright Libertarians. GOProud was another, but they broke up some time ago (2014). There are even several famous gay individuals that profess to be conservative including:
And, I am sure there are many more… It may sound cliché, but a few of my gay friends are (or have been) conservative.
Those of us that consider ourselves to be more classical conservative than neoconservative should think heavily on including LGBT people into our community. They are already here, and in great numbers. We need to help them break the stereotype that says, “LGBT cannot be conservative”.
What do you think? Do you know many LGBT folks that are closet-conservatives, or “out” as conservatives? How should we work together to include them rather than make them feel even more uncomfortable? Let me know in the Reply section below.
MyConservatism 
2 responses to “LGBT Conservatives”
Barry Goldwater became pro-gay at the end of his life. The problem today is that the GOP is full of vocal Christian evangelicals who are anti-gay marriage. There are even extremist churches in the US who want gays executed by stoning (one such church is in Norcross, GA). So getting both groups under the same umbrella is tricky.
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Unfortunately, extremism of all kinds seems to be on the rise. If only we could find a way to nip it in the bud.
Recent reports suggest that for the first time, more than 60% of voters now support gay marriage. Reports also suggest that radical extremist religion is on the decline. So maybe now it is just a waiting game.
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