Log Rolling

The California State GOP overwhelmingly voted on March 1 to recognize the Log Cabin Republicans (LCR), a conservative group that supports gay and lesbian rights. The move was seen as a sea change for a party whose platform still officially opposes "alternative lifestyles," as well as marriage, partner benefits, child custody, and adoption for same-sex couples.

Rich Tafel, MDiv '87, became founding executive director for the national LCR in 1992 and led the organization for a decade. Now the founder and president of The Public Squared, a public policy training program for nonprofits and social entrepreneurs, Tafel helps connect organizations that work for social change with political leaders, academics, and investors. HDS caught up with him recently to discuss the LCR's victory and its influence on the U.S. political landscape.     

HDS: What does the California GOP's recognition mean for the gay and lesbian struggle for respect, fairness, and justice in our politics and culture?

Rich Tafel: Progressive movements win when they bring along traditional culture. Getting a state Republican Party that has become more conservative over the last decade to include a gay group with a formal charter is a sure sign of progress. 

Politically, California once was a GOP stronghold. Today, the state is a completely in the hands of Democrats. The mistakes made by the GOP on immigration and gay rights in the 1990s created this loss. This inclusion of a gay group is a sign that they understand they need to change the brand if they ever hope to govern California again. The same is true on immigration and the way Hispanics are treated.

HDS: Gays and lesbians have historically flocked to the Democratic Party, which has been more supportive of their rights. Why is it important for same-sex voters to have a presence and a voice in the Republican Party?

Tafel: Because change takes place when we move from comfortable places to uncomfortable ones. The reason the gay rights movement has moved quickly is because we organized both in the progressive and conservative parties. In fact, the areas we had the most success—marriage and the military—were pushed more from the gay right in the beginning.

Bottom line: When you win over the traditionalists in a social movement you win the game. Plus, progressive leaders get a lot more courageous when they realize they won't be attacked for supporting gay rights.

HDS: What is the role of spiritual values and morals in getting conservatives, who are more likely to say that religion is an important part of their daily lives, to respect and recognize the rights of gays and lesbians?

Tafel: The influence of religious resources is incredibly powerful and happens at two levels.

First, the superficial level: Thanks to my ordination and knowledge of the Bible I was able to go verse for verse with fundamentalists claiming they represented THE Christian perspective. It allowed those believers in the audience to say, "Ok, there are many perspectives on this Christian angle, so let's move off of that." Secular activists often cede ground to the fundamentalist world view, which is unfortunate.

The deeper level is more important. I do believe in Jesus and seek God's guidance daily. It's not a debate technique. The audience for this debate senses authenticity. Religious people feel like victims to a secular society. When I use the word "Jesus"—and it is clear I really mean what I say—it has had a transformational impact beyond any other strategy. It changes people's hearts and opens them up. I could give example after example of people of faith saying they changed their view based on the fact that I was guided by my faith. The reality is that I do respect them and they can feel it.

HDS: So, the transformation begins with you?

Tafel: Faith allows me not to judge or hate those who disagree with me, which helps bring people over instead of alienating them. While many on the left look at this as my selling out or seeking approval, it is just the opposite. When you are comfortable in your own skin, you can go into areas that defy quick stereotyping and bring people together by really loving everyone in the process.

—Paul Massari