I am a Republican. Not something so easily admitted in the gay community. When I came out of the closet almost two years ago, I thought that I could finally be an individual. Instead, I sometimes found that for true acceptance others wanted me to conform to their ideal.

For a fleeting moment, I decided to reevaluate my party affiliation. Since I have never been one to blindly vote for one party or the other, I had to evaluate the basic philosophy of each party. To me, the Democratic Party’s philosophy, at its base, looks to the government first to solve any problem. This seemed to completely contradict the reasons I registered Republican in the first place. I believe the more the government empowers individuals to solve their own problems, the better – an idea I believe is best represented in the primetime speakers at the Republican National Convention.

Since then, I have had to defend my choice of being a Republican more than I have had to defend my choice to come out of the closet. Occasionally, people ask me sincerely, “Why would you want to be a Republican?”

First, we are everywhere. To ask all gay and lesbian Americans to conform under one political philosophy is ridiculous. Additionally, the more present we are in all facets of society, the more acceptance we find from those who get to know us.

Second, I can make a real difference in our community by working for the election of Republicans who are inclusive of the issues that are important to our community. Many political districts have been gerrymandered into Republican and Democrat districts. In Republican districts, it benefits everyone if we can elect inclusive Republicans.

Last, we will not succeed in true acceptance in this country until we win over the heartland, mainstream middle America. This demographic is overwhelmingly Republican. When we win over the heartland, we will have won.

I understand that my views may differ from the majority of those in this community. What I don’t understand is how those seeking acceptance of their views can be intolerant of others. It’s sometimes hard to respect other views and opinions, but the more we celebrate diversity of thought and opinion, the more we will accomplish as a community.