D.C. Gay Activist Group Supports GOP In New Hampshire

Local gay conservatives hold events in New Hampshire

Despite Republicans' firm opposition to same-sex marriage, a group of gay activists from the District was in New Hampshire Monday supporting the GOP.

Chris Barron was active in Republican politics back when he was in college. Then he came out of the closet.

"I kind of put politics aside for a few years," Barron said. "And then I realized that it was what I loved doing."

Eventually, Barron co-founded the political advocacy group, GOProud. It's been holding events throughout New Hampshire all week.

"We're here making it clear that gay conservatives have a role in this party, and doing our part to make sure that Barack Obama isn't reelected," he said.

Barron said gay people care about more than just same-sex marriage. Taxes, health care and national security are important, too.

But many within the gay community consider GOProud to be collaborators with the enemy. Columnist Dan Savage called the group, "gay window dressing " and "useful idiots."

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"It is much harder for me to be conservative among gay people, than to be gay among conservatives," Barron said.

When he meets someone new, Barron has to come out twice, he said: once as gay and again as conservative.

Complete story at wamu.org

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