I was quite taken aback the first time I browsed my friend Mark's home library. In full view lied the biography of Margaret Thatcher and a tribute to Ronald Reagan among other titles one might expect to see at President Bush's ranch not in the home of a gay man. "Are you a Republican?" I asked quite rudely. "Of course," he replied as if there were no other option. My inevitable "why" followed seconds of silence and a dumbfounded look. Mark went on to explain his views on decentralized government, trade, foreign policy, and abortion. I eagerly anticipated the mention of gay rights, but the issue rode in the caboose on his train of political mystery. "But they hate us!" My ignorance reduced communication to mere syllables. He explained with little emotion how he knew being gay in a conservative party was a challenge, but he hoped to changed the majority view from within.

Fast-forward ten years and Mark is still my gay conservative lab rat. Our debates are endless. As I mourn the loss of gay marriage rights, he hails our Commander-in-Chief.

Mark isn't alone on the island of conservatism. There are many conservative gay politicians and constituents who view other non-gay social and political positions as a basis for party loyalty though they believe the Republican Party should be more inclusive. Thus, enter the paradoxical world of the gay Republican.

More Issues:

• Born or Made Gay?
• Homosexuality vs. Religion
• Gay Immigration

Amendments Against Gay Marriage:

• Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA)
• Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)