5 lessons the GOP can learn from Portman's gay marriage reversal

The Republican party is under no obligation to take steps to understand the real-world needs and concerns of LGBT folks (or blacks or Latinos or the middle class).In today’s world though, not doing so leads directly to the re-election of a Democratic president, even in the midst of a somewhat sluggish economic recovery.It’s nice to DVR episodes of Ellen and Modern Family, but interacting with regular gay people every day is a better way for GOP politicians to enhance their knowledge and understanding of LGBT people.Of course, not all elected officials experience the good fortune of having a gay son or lesbian daughter. Those with no gay relatives must actively seek out interactions with the larger LGBT community.There is no shortage of LGBT organizations to consult, and if that doesn’t work out, real life gays and lesbians can be found every day in various workplaces, colleges, retail stores, and sometimes even in churches all across congressional districts.As a former boss once counseled me when I was struggling to assemble a cohesive work team, “they don’t care what you know, until they know that you care.”Lip service and respect are two different things, and the people to whom you are paying each will know the difference. It is borderline offensive (to one’s intellect if nothing else) for the GOP to repeatedly tell gays and lesbians they are equal in every way while simultaneously opposing the right to fundamental freedoms.Republicans have made a half-hearted attempt to open their tent, but they have done so with words, not actions.If the GOP wants any serious consideration from LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) voters, they must amend their policy platform to reflect a fundamental understanding of the challenges gay Americans face. They can start by supporting the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the repeal of DOMA.View the list »
Senator Rob Portman (R-OH)

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Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) made headlines this week when he reversed his position on marriage equality for gays and lesbians.

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In an Op-Ed piece for the Columbus Dispatch, Portman wrote that his gay son’s coming out stirred him to deeply “think through” his position on marriage equality, and ultimately led him to change his position and become a supporter of same-sex marriage.

Reactions to Portman’s newfound empathy have been mixed across the political spectrum, but all of us, especially those involved in politics (GOP I’m talking to you), would be wise to examine the lessons of the Portman situation.

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  • As a former boss once counseled me when I was struggling to assemble a cohesive work team, “they don’t care what you know, until they know that you care.”Lip service and respect are two different things, and the people to whom you are paying each will know the difference. It is borderline offensive (to one’s intellect if nothing else) for the GOP to repeatedly tell gays and lesbians they are equal in every way while simultaneously opposing the right to fundamental freedoms.Republicans have made a half-hearted attempt to open their tent, but they have done so with words, not actions.If the GOP wants any serious consideration from LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender) voters, they must amend their policy platform to reflect a fundamental understanding of the challenges gay Americans face. They can start by supporting the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the repeal of DOMA.
  • It’s nice to DVR episodes of Ellen and Modern Family, but interacting with regular gay people every day is a better way for GOP politicians to enhance their knowledge and understanding of LGBT people.Of course, not all elected officials experience the good fortune of having a gay son or lesbian daughter. Those with no gay relatives must actively seek out interactions with the larger LGBT community.There is no shortage of LGBT organizations to consult, and if that doesn’t work out, real life gays and lesbians can be found every day in various workplaces, colleges, retail stores, and sometimes even in churches all across congressional districts.
  • The Republican party is under no obligation to take steps to understand the real-world needs and concerns of LGBT folks (or blacks or Latinos or the middle class).In today’s world though, not doing so leads directly to the re-election of a Democratic president, even in the midst of a somewhat sluggish economic recovery.
  • President Obama opposed gay marriage before he was in favor of it - he was re-elected. Former President Bill Clinton signed off on DOMA before he opposed it - he’s never been more popular.Some far right-wing members of the GOP have accused Senator Portman of putting his emotions over his principles and beliefs. In reality, what we are witnessing is the evolution of the senator’s core principles in light of new information and greater understanding.Senator Portman is learning and he is following his heart. Critics on the right (as well as those on the left who say “it’s about time”) have to agree – what Portman did took courage. Standing up for what you believe, even when it’s unpopular, is what good leaders (and good fathers) do.
  • The final lesson to be gleaned from Senator Portman’s reversal on gay marriage is perhaps the most profound.In the end, it is more important to love your children than to placate your constituency. Family really does trump all else – just as conservatives would have it.If standing tall in support of love (of a gay son, daughter, sibling, parent, friend or stranger) is somehow politically undesirable – well, it isn't. Love is always right and voters will ultimately reward politicians who aren't afraid to show it.Whether it’s a son or daughter, or maybe just the friendly guy who works at your dry cleaners, when you know someone who is gay, LGBT social issues become personal issues.Self-help educator and author Stephen Covey once said, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”Nothing says the GOP has to heed this advice, but if they refuse to make an honest attempt to truly understand those who don't already comprise their base, then they can’t continue to act surprised when the American people don’t choose to elect them.
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, SF Political Buzz Examiner

Jeff McKown is a freelance writer based in Salinas, CA, with an education in International Studies and 20+ years of business leadership experience. Jeff's articles on politics and culture can be be found on Yahoo, Patch, and on his blog, The Way Things Turn. Email Jeff at jeffmckown@comcast.net.

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