Anyone active in the gay community and politics?

[beyurslf]

It seems more and more you hear about the gay community being a large force in the election. This just doesn't seem true where I live. Granted, we don't have a gay population like NYC or San Fran but most of my friends don't vote.

Not only that but most simply refuse to register. I offered to get registration cards and turn them in and only one did it. I even offered to get them advance ballots so they could vote from home. Of my few friends who do vote and are gay, they are Republicans for gods sake!

Anyone else see this in their community? I live in Wichita KS. There is a decent number in the community but the apathy is so high I don't even know where to start.

[ronnykmarshall]

1. I did a lot when I lived in SF.

My partner and promised to work on the campaign this year.

I got envolved when I lived in Bakersfield as a youngin' (20ish) and was floored at some of the reponces. During the 1984 race, this one guy piped up in reference to Gerry Ferraro: "I don't give a damn about that bitch, my daddie's rich". I almost :puke:'ed. A few years later at a party he tried to hit on me when I came back home for a visit (all buffed up and lookin purdy damn good I might add). We were chatting in group of friends and he was flirting with me (or trying) and I said, "Sorry, but I don't date republicans" and walked away.

[Cannikin]

2. VERY apathetic down here in Arkansas....or I just havent found anyone else

who is involved.

[MsUnderstood]

3. Isn't it crazy?

I was on another message board (gay/entertainment based) and the question came up to "are you republican or demcocratic?"

Not only did some admit to being a republican, they said "I wouldn't want anyone but Bush to have been in office during 9/11!?!?!

Others said Bush is doing a good job. These are mostly lesbians who have had their rights as women, gays, and Americans chipped away.

They all came back to the fact "I am a fiscally convservative person, so I vote republican" HHHEEEELLLOOOO. . .didn't we go from +3 to -5 TRILLION in the BUSH administration.

*rant off*

Okay maybe the problem is that gay communities need to focus nationally as well as locally? I know it is nice to find your community in your area, go out and have social gatherings, but the national and state politics are hitting us at home.

Maybe a place to start is in any gay publications for your area. Make sure they are covering not just the election but the state of affairs. And keep working it--maybe you can get some more interest if you keep pounding the facts.

[beyurslf]

5. Any more most of my friends just tune me out I think.

They know I am the "crazy into politics" guy. Occassionally one will ask me a question. Some have asked me who I support now and if I really think we can win in November. (I always say we can win in Nov if we get every who dislikes Bush to vote hint hint)

[Bertha Venation]

4. Maryland

Unfortunately I can't gauge any angst, apathy, or any other thing in my community, mainly because I'm not extremely involved in the community in my town or county. (It seems pretty conservative around here, anyway.) But I'm not a very good judge, because I haven't the time, funds, or physical energy to be involved in any way other than writing.

I have several gay friends at work, and I do not sense the apathy you describe from them. But they live either in DC or closer in to the city than I do (35 mi. outside the Beltway).

This is the organization in my state, and they seem to be doing pretty well, at least from their site.

http://equalitymaryland.org/

[davsand]

6. I had this conversation just last Friday!

We went out dancing after a Dem social hour-and I was wearing my Clark button still (he's on the front of the Advocate this month fer Pete's sake! How bad could it be?) I was amazed when one of the women we were with looked at me and said, she's never voted! I was just GOT!

I looked around and realized that most of them there had no idea that the GOP agenda includes shoving them all into a closet or "re-programming" them. I just wanted to stop the music and yell out "Do you FREAKING REALIZE the GOP hates you and wants to destroy your happiness?" I didn't, of course, but I left feeling so bewildered and sad...

I can only hope it is more organized and more politicized in other places.


Laura