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GOProud was[2] an American tax-exempt 527 organization supported by fiscally conservative gay men, lesbians, and their allies. GOProud advocated for "free markets, limited government, and a respect for individual rights" and worked at the federal and state levels to build strong coalitions of liberal conservative and libertarian activists, organizations and policy makers to advance their shared values and beliefs.[3]

Key Information

GOProud was founded by Christopher R. Barron and Jimmy LaSalvia, two former Log Cabin Republican staffers who expressed dissatisfaction at that organization's generally centrist political positions. GOProud subsequently co-sponsored the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and added political commentator/author Ann Coulter, political commentator/strategist Margaret Hoover, Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist,[4] new media specialist Liz Mair,[5] political analyst Lisa De Pasquale, and political communications consultant Chuck Muth.[6]

In June 2014, it was reported that GOProud had ceased operations and was shutting down as a political committee.[7] After initial denials, the executive director later confirmed that they were "leaving GOProud behind" and that GOProud would be dissolved.[8]

History

[edit]

Jimmy LaSalvia and Christopher R. Barron co-founded GOProud on April 15, 2009. LaSalvia was the Director of Programs and Policy for the Log Cabin Republicans, a gay organization identifying with Republican ideals. Barron was the Political Director at Log Cabin Republicans before both men decided to leave with hopes of a creating a better organization that dealt with more conservative values. They wanted to focus on the issues of the conservative agenda rather than social issues, the focus of Log Cabin Republicans. Barron and LaSalvia believe that same-sex marriage is a state issue and therefore wanted an organization that focused on the real conservative agenda.[9] Margaret Hoover, a member of the advisory council, said "You had this social conservative strategy in terms of trying to get the vote out in states with [marriage amendments]. But the top issues for conservatives were national security and the economy, not gay marriage."[10]

2010

[edit]

The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), an annual political conference attended by conservative activists and elected officials from across the United States invited GOProud to its 2010 conference. The Family Research Council started a boycott of CPAC over the invitation.[11][12] Groups that followed the FRC in boycotting included the Concerned Women for America, American Principles Project, Center for Military Readiness, National Organization for Marriage, and Liberty Council.[13] These conservative groups worried that adding gay members would weaken the movement.[14][15]

During a panel at the 2010 CPAC, Alexander McCobin, co-founder and executive director of Students For Liberty, opened his remarks by thanking the American Conservative Union for welcoming GOProud as a co-sponsor of the event. Ryan Sorba, chairman of the California Young Americans for Freedom and author of The "Born Gay" Hoax, attempted to derail support for GOProud at CPAC. During his speech at the convention, he condemned GOProud for entering the conference but was eventually booed by the audience.[9]

2011

[edit]

Donald Trump's 2011 CPAC speech

[edit]

In February 2011, Trump made his first speaking appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference. His appearance at CPAC was organized by GOProud, in conjunction with GOProud supporter Roger Stone, who was close with Trump. GOProud pushed for a write-in campaign for Donald Trump at CPAC's presidential straw poll. Christopher R. Barron, co-founder of GOProud who would later not only endorse Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, but also launch LGBT for Trump, said he "would love to see Mr. Trump run for president." The speech was later credited with helping to launch his political career within the Republican Party.[16]

"Don't ask, don't tell"

[edit]

"Don't ask, don't tell" was a political issue and policy enacted in 1993. This policy allowed homosexuals to serve in the military as long as their sexual orientation was undisclosed. GOProud supported repealing the policy.[17] GOProud condemned Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty[18] and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum[19] – both candidates for the Republican nomination for president in 2012 – after they favored reinstating the policy.

Fabrizio outing

[edit]

Founders LaSalvia, who was also Executive Director, and Barron outed gay pollster and Perry campaign adviser Tony Fabrizio over Rick Perry's "Strong" campaign ad, citing what they viewed as homophobic themes in the ad.[20] The ensuing fallout over the outing caused the late conservative media mogul Andrew Breitbart to resign from GOProud's board.[21]

2012

[edit]

In July 2011, American Conservative Union's board voted to not allow GOProud to co-sponsor the 2012 CPAC event. This led to controversy among the entities who wanted GOProud to sponsor the event.

2013

[edit]

2013 CPAC

[edit]

GOProud was once again excluded from sponsoring CPAC in 2013, however this led to some criticism from some, such as S. E. Cupp and Chris Hayes, who boycotted attending CPAC that year over the issue.[22][23]

Leadership change

[edit]

In April 2013, the two co-founders, executive director Jimmy LaSalvia and senior strategist Chris Barron, sold the GOProud name, a computer, a contact list, and some posters to three former interns,[2] and announced plans to step back from their day-to-day roles with the group.[24]

In July 2013, the organization's Board of Directors announced that their new Leadership team consisted of Ross Hemminger, a former aide to US Senator Scott Brown; and Matthew Bechstein, a public relations consultant from California.

2014

[edit]

Founders leave GOProud and 2014 CPAC

[edit]

In January 2014, Jimmy LaSalvia left GOProud and the Republican party and became an independent. This was due to LaSalvia viewing the Republican Party as too bigoted and closed minded towards LGBT people.[25][26]

In February, founder Chris Barron resigned from GOProud to protest what he called "an unconditional surrender to the forces of bigotry"[27] after the new leaders, including Hemminger, accepted an offer from the organizers of CPAC to allow them to attend the conference as guests, without a booth or other formal presence for GOProud.[28]

Dissolution

[edit]

In June 2014, reports surfaced that the GOProud leadership had decided to dissolve the organization.[29] Executive Director Matthew Bechstein issued a denial of the report, stating that it was untrue and that the organization would continue operating as it had. But the following day he admitted that "I posted what I had to on Facebook so I wouldn't scare our members and thwart our fundraising efforts. I wanted to mitigate a disaster."[30] He then stated that GOProud planned to file dissolution papers with the government.[31]

Political positions

[edit]

According to its website, the top four issues concerning GOProud included "tax reform", "limited government", "freedom-focused foreign policy", and "choices in education".[32]

On January 18, 2013, GOProud came out in support of same-sex marriage at a state by state level.[33] Prior to that, GOProud had no official position on marriage or relationship recognition.[34] In 2011, Ann Coulter said she had convinced GOProud to take its support of same-sex marriage out of its platform.[35]

While GOProud did not have an official position on abortion,[36] GOProud attended anti-abortion rallies[36] and Christopher Barron said that "I want pro-life gays to know they have a home here."[37] Jimmy LaSalvia opposed abortion and warned the gay community should be anti-abortion because of the threat of selective abortions of gay fetuses.[38]

GOProud had no official position on the Employment Nondiscrimination Act[39] or the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.[40] In 2009, GOProud supported the inclusion of the Thune-Vitter Concealed Carry Reciprocity Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010.[41]

Personnel

[edit]

Gabriel E. Gomez was a director of GOProud.[42]

Ann Coulter was a member of the advisory council beginning on August 9, 2011.[43]

GOProud had affiliates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.[44] The Metroplex Republicans of Dallas and Right Pride (Nevada affiliate) were affiliated with GOProud.[45][46][47]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

GOProud

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
GOProud was an American tax-exempt 527 political organization founded in 2009 by Jimmy LaSalvia and Christopher Barron to represent fiscally conservative gay men, lesbians, and their allies within the Republican Party and broader conservative movement. The group distinguished itself from more established LGBT Republican organizations like by emphasizing a strict adherence to traditional conservative principles, including , individual , free-market economics, and a robust national defense, while advocating for select LGBT policy changes such as the repeal of the military's "" policy without supporting broader anti-discrimination laws viewed as creating special rights. GOProud gained prominence through its co-sponsorship of the (CPAC) in 2010 and 2011, events that highlighted tensions between fiscal and social conservatives by including openly gay participants and speakers, prompting boycotts from groups like the and the . This participation marked a notable push to integrate into mainstream Republican events, fostering debates on the compatibility of with . The organization also hosted early speeches by figures like in 2011, underscoring its role in bridging libertarian-leaning conservatives with emerging political outsiders. Key controversies arose from GOProud's prioritization of economic issues over social ones, leading to criticisms from both LGBT activists who saw it as insufficiently focused on civil and from social conservatives who opposed its presence in coalition events. Internal strife culminated in 2014 when co-founder LaSalvia publicly left the Republican Party, decrying what he perceived as persistent tolerance of anti-gay sentiment within the GOP, while the group attempted a reboot as a entity under new leadership amid donor concerns over past associations. By then, GOProud had largely faded from active operations, reflecting broader challenges in sustaining a niche amid evolving party dynamics on LGBT issues.

History

Founding and Early Activities (2009–2010)

GOProud was established in April 2009 as a 527 tax-exempt organization by and Jimmy LaSalvia, both former who resigned from that group due to disagreements over its direction and conservatism. The founders aimed to represent gay and allied individuals committed to core conservative principles, including , low taxes, strong national defense, and Second Amendment rights, while opposing Democratic-backed gay rights measures like hate crimes legislation and the (ENDA). From its inception, GOProud differentiated itself by rejecting identity-based advocacy in favor of broader ideological alignment with the Republican Party, arguing that gay conservatives should prioritize economic and security issues over marriage equality or anti-discrimination laws. Barron and LaSalvia publicly criticized for diluting conservative values, positioning GOProud as a more authentic voice for gays supportive of figures like and traditional GOP platforms. Early fundraising efforts focused on building a network of donors disillusioned with existing gay Republican groups, emphasizing self-reliance and integration into the conservative movement without seeking special accommodations. In late 2009, GOProud announced its role as a co-sponsor of the 2010 (CPAC), signaling an intent to participate directly in major conservative gatherings and challenge social conservative dominance on LGBT issues. This move drew initial attention and set the stage for 2010 activities, including advocacy for reciprocity amendments and the formation of state-level affiliates, such as Right Pride in in March 2010. These steps underscored the organization's early strategy of grassroots expansion and policy engagement aligned with fiscal and Second Amendment .

Growth and CPAC Engagement (2011–2012)

In 2011, GOProud reported a membership of approximately 10,000, reflecting expansion since its 2009 founding as a voice for fiscally conservative Americans. The organization's prominence grew through its co-sponsorship of the (CPAC), an annual event organized by the American Conservative Union (ACU) that drew around 10,000 attendees in February 2011. This marked GOProud's second year as a co-sponsor, alongside entities like the and the Presidential Foundation, signaling tentative acceptance within broader conservative circles despite ideological tensions over issues like opposition to federal marriage amendments. GOProud's CPAC engagement included hosting a high-profile "Big Party" at the 18th Street Lounge, co-organized with conservative media figure , who joined the group's advisory council to promote unity across conservative factions. The event, headlined by singer-songwriter and backed by co-sponsors such as hedge fund manager Paul E. Singer and the , anticipated over 500 guests and aimed to integrate gay conservatives into the movement. GOProud leaders, including executive director Jimmy LaSalvia, defended their involvement by highlighting alignment on economic and priorities, asserting, "I’d put our conservative credentials up against anyone." The group also facilitated discussions that led to Donald Trump's first CPAC speaking appearance that year. However, the sponsorship provoked backlash from social conservatives, who viewed GOProud's positions—such as deferring marriage policy to states—as undermining traditional values. Organizations like the and boycotted the event, with 's Mathew Staver stating they would not co-sponsor alongside groups opposing protections. ACU chairman David Keene countered that CPAC had "always been open to every wing of the movement," but the discord foreshadowed restrictions. In August 2011, the ACU board voted to bar GOProud from co-sponsoring CPAC 2012, citing fallout from the prior year's controversies and input from board members concerned about unity. ACU spokesperson Kristy Campbell clarified that individuals remained welcome to attend, emphasizing focus on event success. GOProud expressed regret, framing the decision as a loss for conservative cohesion and pledging to advance their agenda independently. This exclusion highlighted persistent factional divides, even as GOProud's earlier CPAC roles had elevated its profile within the movement.

Leadership Transition and Internal Challenges (2013)

In April 2013, GOProud co-founders Jimmy LaSalvia, the , and Christopher Barron, the senior strategist, announced their withdrawal from day-to-day operations after four years of leadership. The pair cited the need to inject fresh energy into the organization to avoid stagnation, with Barron stating, "It's time for someone else to come in and shake things up," and LaSalvia adding, "It's time. We don't want it to get stale." They transferred ownership of the GOProud name, website domain, and associated assets to the for a symbolic $1 fee, while retaining seats on the board in advisory capacities. A search committee was formed to identify a successor , with the goal of finalizing the hire by June. The leadership vacuum was filled later that summer by former GOProud summer interns Ross Hemminger and Matthew Bechstein, who assumed co-director roles and shifted focus toward grassroots organizing and candidate endorsements, such as support for Navy SEAL Gabriel Gomez in the special election. This transition occurred amid broader organizational strains, including financial dependencies on key donors like Paul Singer, whose priorities reportedly began shifting away from GOProud's model. Internally, the group faced scrutiny over its strategic evolution, particularly after endorsing state-by-state legalization in January 2013—a departure from prior neutrality that alienated some traditional conservative backers while aiming to align with post-2012 election realities. Compounding these pressures were persistent external conflicts with social conservative factions, notably GOProud's continued exclusion from sponsoring the 2013 (CPAC), despite LaSalvia's unofficial participation to advocate for gay conservative inclusion. These dynamics fueled internal debates on sustainability and relevance, as the organization's provocative style—evident in past moves like naming honorary chair—drew both acclaim and backlash, testing cohesion among board members and members. The handover reflected an attempt to recalibrate amid declining momentum, though it presaged further instability leading into 2014.

Dissolution and Aftermath (2014)

In June 2014, GOProud ceased operations as a , with Matthew Bechstein announcing the decision amid declining donor support and internal restructuring efforts. The shutdown followed the departure of co-founders Jimmy LaSalvia in January 2014, who cited the Republican Party's "tolerance of bigotry" toward LGBT individuals as a key factor in his exit from the GOP altogether, and Christopher Barron in February 2014, who resigned from the board protesting GOProud's acceptance of limited participation terms at the (CPAC) without a booth or sponsorship role. These leadership exits exacerbated financial strains, as some donors expressed concerns over the group's association with prior controversies, including past CPAC boycotts by social conservatives. Bechstein framed the closure not as a full dissolution but as a initiative, involving a shift from its 527 tax-exempt status to a new format aimed at broader engagement, though no successor entity directly emerged under GOProud's banner. The move highlighted persistent tensions within the Republican coalition, where GOProud's emphasis on over social issues like had alienated both traditional family-values factions and mainstream LGBT advocates. In the aftermath, the group's dissolution underscored the challenges of integrating LGBT voices into conservative politics without diluting core party platforms, influencing subsequent efforts by figures like Barron to form alternative alliances, such as LGBTrump in later years. GOProud's brief tenure left a legacy of advocating reduced intervention in personal lives, but its failure to sustain operations reflected the dominance of social conservative priorities in GOP institutions during the mid-2010s.

Ideology and Political Positions

Core Conservative Principles

GOProud's foundational principles aligned with traditional by prioritizing limited government, individual , free markets, and a confident . The organization explicitly committed to these tenets in its , seeking to advance a conservative agenda that minimized state interference in economic activities and personal freedoms while fostering economic growth through and . This approach distinguished GOProud from left-leaning LGBT advocacy groups, which often favored expansive government roles in social welfare and . On economic issues, GOProud championed free-market policies, including opposition to high taxes, support for gun rights, and criticism of entitlement programs like Social Security, which leaders described as a "Ponzi scheme" disproportionately harming younger workers, including gays and lesbians, due to demographic imbalances and low projected returns. They advocated for optional personal savings accounts as a market-based alternative to reform the system, emphasizing fiscal responsibility to reduce national debt and promote self-reliance over dependency on government redistribution. In and , GOProud endorsed a strong defense posture, aligning with conservative views on readiness and projecting American strength abroad to deter adversaries, rather than or retrenchment. This reflected their broader belief in as a of ordered liberty, where individual rights are protected by and institutional restraint, not identity-based entitlements or bureaucratic overreach.

Positions on LGBT-Specific Issues

GOProud supported the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, enacted in December 2010, which had prohibited openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals from serving in the U.S. military since 1993. The organization argued that military service should be based on merit and fitness, not , aligning with conservative emphases on and individual capability. On , GOProud opposed federal interventions such as a banning it, insisting that marriage policy remained a state-level matter consistent with principles. In its 2011 legislative agenda, the group explicitly rejected any anti-gay . By January 2013, GOProud endorsed for same-sex couples, with executive director Jimmy LaSalvia stating, "We support , ," following a board decision, while respecting religious institutions' from state mandates. GOProud demonstrated limited advocacy for federal expansions targeting LGBT-specific protections, such as hate crimes enhancements or employment nondiscrimination laws, viewing them as secondary to core conservative priorities like free markets and . LaSalvia, after a July 2011 anti-gay , clarified that the group did not oppose hate crimes laws outright but considered them ineffective, remarking they were "a waste of time because they don't do anything to prevent violent crimes from happening." This approach reflected GOProud's broader platform, which de-emphasized identity-based legislation in favor of universal liberty and economic applicable to all Americans, including LGBT individuals.

Leadership and Organization

Founders and Key Figures

GOProud was co-founded in 2009 by Jimmy LaSalvia and , both of whom had previously worked as staffers for the but grew dissatisfied with its leadership and direction under then-president Clarke Cooper. LaSalvia, born December 15, 1970, served as the organization's executive director, overseeing its operations and advocacy efforts focused on integrating gay conservatives into broader Republican circles without prioritizing identity-based issues. Barron, a conservative activist, co-led the group alongside LaSalvia, emphasizing , , and strong national defense as core principles over . The duo positioned GOProud as a counter to more establishment-oriented gay Republican groups, attracting support from high-profile conservatives like , who headlined the organization's "Homocon 2010" event to mark its first anniversary. LaSalvia and Barron played pivotal roles in securing GOProud's sponsorship of the (CPAC) in 2011, which sparked internal conservative debates but elevated the group's visibility. By April 2013, both founders stepped down from day-to-day leadership to allow new figures to "shake things up," amid reports of internal challenges and the need for fresh direction, though they remained influential in the organization's trajectory until its effective dissolution in 2014. Post-leadership, LaSalvia renounced his Republican affiliation in 2014, declaring the party "brain dead" on issues like and criticizing its failure to adapt, which led him to register as an independent. Barron, while also departing operational roles, continued critiquing conservative institutions like CPAC for perceived inconsistencies in inclusivity toward members, such as in a 2014 dispute over sponsorship rights. No other individuals emerged as comparably central key figures during GOProud's active period, with the organization's small scale—often described as a "small, "—relying heavily on the founders' networks and public personas.

Structure and Funding

GOProud functioned as a national advocacy group without local chapters, distinguishing it from predecessors like . Organized as a tax-exempt 527 political entity under Section 527 of the , it emphasized political influence over grassroots mobilization. The group incorporated as GOProud, Inc., maintaining corporate formalities including board meetings and officer elections. Leadership included a and an position, with the board overseeing strategic decisions and operations run by a small staff. Funding derived mainly from private individual contributions, consistent with its 527 status permitting support from fiscally conservative donors without full public disclosure requirements for all gifts. Available records indicate limited large-scale donations; for instance, its associated PAC received no contributions exceeding $200 in the 2009–2010 cycle. Notable support included a $6,000 contribution from Manchester Financial Group to the . GOProud hosted events to solicit backing, such as a September 2010 fundraiser drawing 150 conservative supporters. Overall, its budget remained modest, reflecting a lean operational model focused on policy advocacy rather than expansive .

Controversies

CPAC Sponsorship Conflicts

In 2011, GOProud's designation as a co-sponsor of the (CPAC), organized by the American Conservative Union (ACU), provoked significant opposition from social conservative organizations, who argued that including a group advocating for conservative interests undermined core principles on and . The controversy intensified after GOProud's involvement began in , but reached a peak in early 2011 when critics, including the , publicly condemned the ACU for "demonstrat[ing] a dangerous disregard for the values and well-being of the conservative movement" by elevating GOProud alongside traditional co-sponsors. Social conservatives, such as those from the and Phyllis Schlafly's , described GOProud's agenda as "fundamentally incompatible" with , framing the sponsorship not as diversity but as "discord." The backlash resulted in boycotts by several prominent groups ahead of the February 2011 CPAC event. The American Principles Project withdrew its sponsorship and urged others to follow, citing GOProud's promotion of policies like the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and opposition to the Defense of Marriage Act as antithetical to conservative unity. Eagle Forum, led by Phyllis Schlafly, also opted out, with Schlafly stating that the inclusion prioritized a "homosexual agenda" over foundational conservative issues. Additional pullouts included the National Federation of Republican Assemblies and parts of Americans for Prosperity, contributing to an estimated loss of several dozen sponsors and highlighting fractures within the broader conservative coalition. Despite the uproar, CPAC organizers defended the decision, emphasizing GOProud's alignment with fiscal conservatism, limited government, and individual liberty, though attendance proceeded with visible tensions. Following the 2011 event, the ACU barred GOProud from co-sponsoring CPAC in 2012, a policy that extended to other groups like the amid efforts to restore cohesion among social conservatives. GOProud leaders, including co-founder Jimmy LaSalvia, publicly criticized the exclusion as discriminatory, arguing it treated their organization as "3/5 of an organization" in violation of ACU bylaws requiring equal consideration for applicants. Internal ACU board divisions persisted, with some members in 2013 attempting to reinstate GOProud's sponsorship privileges, but these efforts failed, solidifying the rift over integrating LGBT-focused conservative voices into flagship events. The conflicts underscored broader debates within about prioritizing economic versus social issues, with GOProud positioning itself as a bridge for gay individuals committed to non-interventionist stances on marriage while opposing mandates like the .

Fabrizio Outing Incident

In December 2011, GOProud co-executive directors Jimmy LaSalvia and responded to Rick Perry's "" presidential campaign advertisement, released on December 7, by publicly identifying Perry's chief pollster Tony Fabrizio as and questioning his failure to block the ad, which lamented the repeal of the military's "" policy and portrayed open service as weakening national defense. Fabrizio, who had previously conducted polling for gay conservative organizations like the but had not publicly confirmed his , was effectively outed by the comments, which LaSalvia amplified via and statements to media outlets criticizing Fabrizio's role in approving or tolerating the ad despite his own reported internal opposition to it—privately deeming the spot "nuts." GOProud maintained that the disclosure was unintentional, stating they had assumed Fabrizio was openly based on his professional history with LGBT conservative efforts and that media inquiries about his involvement in the anti- ad prompted their response; they emphasized a policy against deliberate while condemning the Perry campaign's messaging. The episode drew sharp rebuke from conservative commentator , who resigned from GOProud's advisory board on December 10, arguing the group had irresponsibly outed a private individual in its zeal to attack , and it fueled broader of GOProud's aggressive tactics amid tensions between fiscal conservatives and social traditionalists in the Republican LGBT sphere.

Disputes with Other Conservative and LGBT Groups

GOProud encountered opposition from socially conservative factions within the broader conservative movement, who contended that the organization's promotion of gay rights conflicted with core principles emphasizing traditional family structures and opposition to homosexuality. Groups such as the , , and expressed concerns that GOProud's presence diluted the moral focus of , leading to boycotts of events where the group participated. For instance, in early 2011, these organizations and affiliated church groups withdrew from the (CPAC) co-sponsored by GOProud, citing the inclusion as a threat to values-based . Conservative attorney , serving on the American Conservative Union board, spearheaded efforts to bar GOProud from conservative conferences, arguing that its agenda advanced behaviors antithetical to the movement's social priorities and accusing the group of prioritizing over unified . This resistance highlighted tensions between GOProud's libertarian emphasis on individual liberty and free markets and the social conservatives' insistence on cultural and moral constraints, with critics like Mitchell framing GOProud as an infiltrator undermining anti-gay stances. Within LGBT circles, GOProud disputed with the , an older gay conservative organization, over strategic priorities and historical claims. GOProud's co-founders, former Log Cabin staffers Christopher Barron and Jimmy LaSalvia, departed in 2009 to establish the group, criticizing Log Cabin's focus on advancing and other identity-specific reforms as secondary to economic conservatism and . In August 2012, GOProud challenged ' assertion that their 2012 appointment to the platform committee represented the first such role for a gay group, noting their own involvement in the 2008 process. GOProud also faced rebuke from progressive LGBT advocates and media for perceived insufficient commitment to civil rights expansions, such as federal protections against discrimination or campaigns like "It Gets Better," which the group declined to endorse amid its emphasis on fiscal restraint over social engineering. Critics in outlets aligned with mainstream LGBT interests accused GOProud of prioritizing alliances with social conservatives hostile to gay equality, thereby marginalizing conservative gays who sought broader cultural acceptance through Republican channels rather than Democratic-led federal mandates. These frictions underscored GOProud's rejection of what it termed the "gay left's" partisan monopoly, advocating instead for ideological diversity within LGBT conservatism.

Impact and Legacy

Influence on Republican Party and Conservatism

GOProud advocated for the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals within the Republican Party and broader conservative movement by prioritizing fiscal conservatism, limited government, and individual liberty over identity-based social policies. The organization positioned itself as distinct from groups like Log Cabin Republicans, focusing less on advancing LGBT-specific legislation—such as employment nondiscrimination acts—and more on aligning with core Republican principles like tax cuts and deregulation, which it argued appealed to a subset of LGBT voters disillusioned with Democratic economic policies. This approach aimed to demonstrate that sexual orientation need not conflict with traditional conservatism, potentially broadening the party's coalition without diluting its ideological foundations. A pivotal moment in GOProud's influence came with its co-sponsorship of the 2011 (CPAC), the first time an LGBT organization participated in that capacity at the event organized by the American Conservative Union. This inclusion sparked significant internal conflict within conservatism, as social conservative groups including the , , and Phyllis Schlafly's withdrew sponsorship or attendance, protesting what they viewed as an endorsement of views incompatible with opposition to and other social issues. The controversy highlighted tensions between libertarian-leaning fiscal conservatives open to LGBT participation and traditionalists prioritizing cultural issues, forcing public debate on the movement's inclusivity and contributing to a perception that social conservatism's dominance could alienate potential allies. Subsequent exclusion of GOProud from CPAC sponsorship in 2012 and 2013 by the American Conservative Union board further underscored these divisions, with critics like former GOProud co-founder decrying it as a capitulation to anti-LGBT factions. On , however, GOProud forged alliances with some of the party's most conservative members, advocating for policies like the repeal of "" in a manner framed as pro-military readiness rather than pro-LGBT rights, which contrasted with alliances typically limited to moderate Republicans. This engagement helped elevate the visibility of who shared hawkish and free-market views, influencing discourse on party diversity. GOProud's efforts had a modest but notable legacy in normalizing LGBT voices within , paving the way for greater acceptance of openly figures in Republican media and advisory roles during the , even as the dissolved in amid funding shortfalls. By challenging the notion that required uniform social views, it contributed to incremental shifts, such as reduced emphasis on anti-LGBT planks in some state-level platforms and the emergence of LGBT supporters for candidates like in 2012, though national party positions on issues like remained oppositional until later years. Critics within the movement argued its influence waned due to its small scale and failure to sway broader policy, but proponents credit it with demonstrating the electoral viability of a "big tent" focused on economics over culture wars.

Criticisms and Broader Reception

GOProud faced significant criticism from mainstream LGBT advocacy groups for its opposition to federal hate crimes legislation and the (ENDA), which it argued diverted attention from broader conservative priorities like and free markets rather than advancing genuine protections for individuals. Organizations such as the and commentators in LGBT media outlets portrayed GOProud's stance as dismissive of core civil rights needs, accusing it of prioritizing cuts and over combating , with some labeling its members as exhibiting self-hatred or alignment with anti- elements in the Republican Party. This perspective was echoed in critiques that GOProud functioned more as a right-wing entity masquerading as a group, lacking commitment to policies like marriage equality or anti-discrimination laws championed by groups such as . Social conservatives within the Republican sphere often received GOProud ambivalently, appreciating its emphasis on fiscal conservatism and national security but decrying its promotion of LGBT visibility as incompatible with traditional values, which contributed to boycotts of events like CPAC and eventual exclusion from sponsorship roles starting in 2013. Figures like Senator Jim DeMint and groups such as Liberty Counsel withdrew support from conservative gatherings due to GOProud's involvement, viewing it as an imposition of social liberalism on a movement grounded in Judeo-Christian principles. However, libertarian-leaning conservatives, including commentators like S.E. Cupp, defended GOProud against such exclusions, arguing they stemmed from ideological purity tests rather than principled conservatism. Broader reception positioned GOProud as a polarizing in both conservative and LGBT circles, credited by supporters with challenging the monopoly of progressive LGBT organizations and fostering a space for gay individuals who rejected in favor of , yet ultimately deemed ineffective by critics for failing to shift Republican on LGBT issues beyond rhetorical inclusion. Its legacy included high-profile events like Homocon parties at Republican conventions, which drew hundreds and signaled growing tolerance for gay conservatives, but internal fractures—exemplified by co-founder Jimmy LaSalvia's 2014 departure from the GOP and Chris Barron's resignation over diminished CPAC access—culminated in the organization's cessation of operations in June 2014 amid financial strains and strategic disagreements. While it influenced discussions on integrating LGBT voices without special protections, skeptics noted minimal tangible impacts, attributing its short lifespan to alienation from both ideological flanks.

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  16. https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2013/04/founding-members-of-goproud-to-step-down-from-day-to-day-operations/
  17. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/28/us/politics/28conservatives.html
  18. https://www.washingtonblade.com/2011/08/02/gay-gop-group-barred-from-sponsoring-cpac/
  19. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/02/gay-conservatives-bring-trump-and-the-party-to-cpac/71081/
  20. https://www.npr.org/sections/itsallpolitics/2011/02/10/133652376/cpac-2011-for-conservatives-time-of-victory-tensions
  21. https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/chrisgeidner/goproud-leaders-stepping-aside-for-someone-else-to-come-in-a
  22. https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2014/02/chris-barron-former-goproud-head-not-impressed-with-cpacs-new-gay-inclusion.html
  23. https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/07/29/gabriel-gomez-joins-board-conservative-gay-rights-organization/3E7XyjCICNp4N0cS4xFaQL/story.html
  24. https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.7208/chicago/9780226818061-017/html
  25. https://www.washingtonblade.com/2013/01/18/goproud-comes-out-for-marriage-equality/
  26. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/mar/15/goproud-cpac-gop-gay-marriage
  27. https://www.advocate.com/politics/2014/06/03/lgbt-republican-group-goproud-going-out-business
  28. https://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/washington-whispers/2014/06/06/yes-gay-republicans-will-be-at-pride-events
  29. https://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/politicsnow/la-pn-cpac-gay-rights-goproud-conservative-20140219-story.html
  30. https://www.thepinknews.com/2014/06/03/gop-gay-group-we-are-not-shutting-down-still-discussing-rebranding/
  31. https://capitalresearch.org/article/freemilo-gay-activist-banned-from-twitter-apparently-for-pro-trump-anti-fascist-views/
  32. https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/02/milo-yiannopoulos-cpac-identity-crisis-214803
  33. https://www.washingtonblade.com/2010/02/24/gay-group-works-to-change-hearts-minds-at-cpac/
  34. https://www.washingtonblade.com/2011/09/22/goproud-leaders-echo-perry-ponzi-scheme-social-security-charge/
  35. https://www.politico.com/story/2010/11/gop-is-urged-to-avoid-social-issues-045110
  36. https://religiondispatches.org/goproud-activist-boasts-we-came-out-on-top/
  37. https://www.splcenter.org/resources/hatewatch/gop-caving-anti-gay-groups-tells-goproud-go-home/
  38. https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/chrisgeidner/goproud-backs-civil-marriage-for-gay-couples
  39. https://www.washingtonblade.com/2011/07/18/goproud-head-attacked-in-anti-gay-assault/
  40. https://www.politico.com/story/2010/09/theyre-gay-conservative-and-proud-042711
  41. https://www.advocate.com/politics/2013/04/26/goproud-leaders-step-down-let-someone-else-shake-things
  42. https://www.politico.com/story/2014/01/goproud-founder-jimmy-lasalvia-102468
  43. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-25/history-gay-republicans-lgbtq-trans-bans-under-donald-trump/104015834
  44. https://temple-news.com/republican-group-hosts-gay-leader/
  45. https://www.opensecrets.org/527s/527cmtedetail.php?ein=264658768
  46. https://www.icann.org/en/groups/board/governance/reconsideration/13-13/request-attachment-barron-08nov13-en.pdf
  47. https://projects.propublica.org/527-explorer/contributions/2050356/
  48. https://www.opensecrets.org/political-action-committees-pacs/C90012154/donors/2010
  49. https://www.politico.com/story/2011/01/a-conservative-civil-war-over-cpac-047231
  50. https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/feb/8/cpac-fissure-over-gays-deepens/
  51. https://www.politico.com/blogs/ben-smith/2010/11/cpac-under-fire-over-gay-conservative-group-030865
  52. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/cpac-conference-tangled-controversy-gay-conservative-group/story?id=12821874
  53. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/goproud-cpac-2013-log-cabin-republicans_n_2728104
  54. https://www.washingtonblade.com/2016/03/04/log-cabin-gets-cosy-with-conservatives-at-cpac/
  55. https://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/washington-whispers/2014/02/19/cpac-still-treating-gay-group-as-3-5-of-an-organization-says-former-leader
  56. https://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/washington-whispers/2013/03/13/some-cpac-board-members-secretly-trying-to-get-gay-gop-group-back-into-conference
  57. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2011/12/07/rick-perrys-new-tv-ad-strong/
  58. https://www.advocate.com/news/daily-news/2011/12/09/goproud-defends-its-outing-perry-pollster
  59. https://www.texastribune.org/2011/12/08/opposition-perrys-anti-gay-ad-goes-viral/
  60. https://www.businessinsider.com/heres-the-rick-perry-ad-thats-causing-a-civil-war-in-the-gay-right-2011-12
  61. http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2011/12/rift-in-perry-camp-over-ad-criticizing-gays-in-military
  62. https://www.advocate.com/news/daily-news/2011/12/09/goproud-blasts-perrys-ad-outs-perrys-gay-pollster
  63. https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2011/12/andrew-breitbart-steps-down-from-goproud-board.html
  64. https://www.christianpost.com/news/gay-gop-group-attacks-may-have-outed-perry-strategist.html
  65. https://www.nlgja.org/blog/2011/12/the-outing-scandal-in-gop-land/
  66. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/breitbart-quits-advisory-board-of-gop-gay-group-over-outing-of-perry-pollster
  67. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/andrew-breitbart-conservative-activist-goproud_n_1141907
  68. https://prospect.org/power/free-last-gay-republican-leaves-fold/
  69. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/04/meet-cleta-mitchell-the-conservative-movements-anti-gay-eminence-grise/274629/
  70. https://www.washingtonblade.com/2012/08/09/goproud-disputes-log-cabins-first-at-gop-convention/
  71. https://www.washingtonblade.com/2010/10/21/it-gets-better-%25E2%2580%2594-except-with-goproud/
  72. https://www.washingtonblade.com/2011/08/04/goproud-bachmann-and-the-new-gay-right/
  73. https://msmagazine.com/2011/02/15/cpac-and-goproud-can-gay-rights-edge-into-the-conservative-movement/
  74. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna50918994
  75. https://www.businessinsider.com/goproud-founder-leaves-republicans-2014-1
  76. https://pridesource.com/article/goproud
  77. http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2011/12/15/39734
  78. https://isi.org/goproud-and-cpac/
  79. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/08/signs-of-progress-in-2012-an-event-for-republicans-at-a-gay-bar-is-no-big-deal/261761/
  80. https://www.thedailybeast.com/inside-the-implosion-of-goproud-the-rights-most-notorious-pro-gay-group/
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