GOProud

{{Infobox organization

|name = GOProud

|image = GOProud logo.png

|caption =

|abbreviation =

|motto =

|formation = {{start date|2009|04|15}}

|dissolved = {{start date|2014|06|02}}

|type = LGBT, Republican

|status =

|purpose =

|headquarters = Washington, D.C.{{cite news| url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123966833747115385?mod=googlewsj | work=The Wall Street Journal | title=Gay, Proud and Conservative | first=William | last=Mcgurn | date=2009-04-14}}

|region_served = United States

|membership =

|leader_title = Founders

|leader_name = Christopher R. Barron
Jimmy LaSalvia

|main_organ =

|parent_organization =

|affiliations = Metroplex Republicans Dallas
Right Pride
Republican Party

|num_staff =

|num_volunteers =

|budget =

|website = [https://web.archive.org/web/20110204021932/http://www.goproud.org/ GOProud (archived page)]

|remarks =

}}

GOProud was{{cite news |author=Mak |first=Tim |date=July 12, 2017 |title=Inside the Implosion of GOProud, the Right's Most Notorious Pro-Gay Group |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/06/inside-the-implosion-of-goproud-the-right-s-most-notorious-pro-gay-group.html# |access-date=2014-06-29 |work=The Daily Beast |publisher=}} 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.{{cite web |title=Our Mission |url=http://www.goproud.org/site/c.evKXIaONIlJcH/b.8478401/k.A0B8/Our_Mission.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211153510/http://www.goproud.org/site/c.evKXIaONIlJcH/b.8478401/k.A0B8/Our_Mission.htm |archive-date=2013-02-11 |access-date=2010-05-09 |website=GOProud}}

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,{{cite web |date=2010-06-15 |title=Board of Directors & Advisory Council |url=http://www.goproud.org/board-of-directors-advisory-council/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110803195510/http://www.goproud.org/board-of-directors-advisory-council/ |archive-date=2011-08-03 |access-date=2011-08-21 |website=GOProud |publisher=}} new media specialist Liz Mair,{{cite web |date=2011-01-25 |title=New Media Specialist Liz Mair to Join GOProud's Advisory Council |url=http://www.goproud.org/lizmair/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110803200206/http://www.goproud.org/lizmair/ |archive-date=2011-08-03 |access-date=2011-08-21 |website=GOProud |publisher=}} political analyst Lisa De Pasquale, and political communications consultant Chuck Muth.{{cite web |author=Geidner |first=Chris |date=2011-02-12 |title=For GOProud, Tammy Bruce Is Out And Former ACU Executive Director Chuck Muth Is In |url=http://www.metroweekly.com/poliglot/2011/02/for-goproud-tammy-bruce-is-out.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110922145843/http://metroweekly.com/poliglot/2011/02/for-goproud-tammy-bruce-is-out.html |archive-date=2011-09-22 |access-date=2011-08-21 |website=Poliglot |publisher=Metro Weekly}}

In June 2014, it was reported that GOProud had ceased operations and was shutting down as a political committee.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Rich |date=June 2, 2014 |title=Rauner nod was GOProud’s last act before dissolving |url=https://capitolfax.com/2014/06/02/rauner-nod-was-goprouds-last-act-before-dissolving/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Capitol Fax}} After initial denials, the executive director later confirmed that they were "leaving GOProud behind" and that GOProud would be dissolved.{{cite news |last=Browning |first=Bil |date=2014-06-02 |title=GOProud Denies, Then Admits It Is Closing Down |url=http://www.bilerico.com/2014/06/goproud_denies_then_admits_it_is_closing_down.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915051446/http://www.bilerico.com/2014/06/goproud_denies_then_admits_it_is_closing_down.php |archive-date=2015-09-15 |access-date=2014-06-29 |publisher=The Bilerico Project}}

History

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.{{cite journal | last1 = Zeller | first1 = Shawn | year = 2010 | title = Out But In: New Strategy For Conservative Status | journal = CQ Weekly | volume = 68 | issue = 27| pages = 1610–11 }} 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."{{Cite web |date=July 5, 2011 |title=A New Conservative Agenda |url=https://www.advocate.com/politics/politicians/2011/07/05/new-conservative-agenda |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=The Advocate |language=en}}

=2010=

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."New GOP Gay Group Promotes Conservative Philosophy." Contemporary Sexuality 45.4 (2011): 9. Academic Search Premier. Web. 1 Dec. 2011.{{Cite web |last=Avlon |first=John |date=February 10, 2011 |title=Gay group in conservatives' gathering splits GOP |url=https://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/02/09/avlon.cpac.gay.rights/index.html |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=CNN |language=en}} 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.{{cite web |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/dec/29/cpac-meeting-raises-gay-issue/ |first=Valerie |last=Richardson |title=CPAC attendance Raises Gay Issue |date=December 29, 2010 |website=The Washington Times |access-date=July 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120000216/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/dec/29/cpac-meeting-raises-gay-issue/ |archive-date=January 20, 2011}} These conservative groups worried that adding gay members would weaken the movement.{{cite web |url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2010/02/cpac-goes-gay/ |title=CPC goes gay |last=Mencimer |first=Stephanie |date=February 18, 2010 |website=Mother Jones |access-date=July 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101217132301/https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2010/02/cpac-goes-gay/ |archive-date=December 17, 2010}}{{cite web |url=https://www.salon.com/2010/12/28/cpac_boycott_goproud/ |title=Anti-gay boycott of conservative powwow gains steam |last=Elliott |first=Justin |date=December 28, 2010 |website=Salon |access-date=July 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116005820/https://www.salon.com/2010/12/28/cpac_boycott_goproud/ |archive-date=January 16, 2021}}

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.

=2011=

==Donald Trump's 2011 CPAC speech==

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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2016/03/03/politics/donald-trump-first-speech-to-cpac/index.html|title=Gay conservatives who helped kickstart Trump's GOP career have serious regrets |first=Chris|last=Moody|date=March 3, 2016|website=CNN}}

=="Don't ask, don't tell"==

"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.{{cite news |last=Geidner |first=Chris |date=February 9, 2011 |title=Guess Who's Coming to CPAC? |url=http://www.metroweekly.com/2011/02/guess-whos-coming-to-cpac/ |access-date=2011-12-05 |work=Metro Weekly |publisher=}} GOProud condemned Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty{{cite web |url=http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/02/10/GOProud_Slams_Pawlenty_Over_DADT/ |title=GOProud Slams Pawlenty Over DADT |date=February 10, 2011 |publisher=The Advocate |access-date=2011-12-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213004107/http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/02/10/GOProud_Slams_Pawlenty_Over_DADT/ |archive-date=2011-02-13 }} and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum{{cite news |last=Lavender |first=Paige |date=2011-09-23 |title=Rick Santorum Condemned By Gay Rights Group GOProud For DADT Debate Comments |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/23/rick-santorum-dadt-goproud-debate-stephen-hill_n_978033.html |access-date=2011-12-05 |work=HuffPost |publisher=}} – both candidates for the Republican nomination for president in 2012 – after they favored reinstating the policy.

==Fabrizio outing==

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.{{cite web |last=Signorile |first=Michelangelo |date=2011-12-08 |title=Tony Fabrizio, Rick Perry's Top Pollster, Is Gay: GOProud Leader |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/08/tony-fabrizio-rick-perry-pollster-gay_n_1137091.html |access-date=2012-02-02 |website=Huffington Post |publisher=}} The ensuing fallout over the outing caused the late conservative media mogul Andrew Breitbart to resign from GOProud's board.{{cite web |url=http://www.newsy.com/videos/goproud-outs-rick-perry-adviser-after-antigay-ad/ |title=GOProud Outs Rick Perry Adviser After Antigay Ad |publisher=Newsy |date=2011-12-12 |access-date=2011-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120906100421/http://www.newsy.com/videos/goproud-outs-rick-perry-adviser-after-antigay-ad/ |archive-date=2012-09-06 }}

=2012=

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=

==2013 CPAC==

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.{{cite web |url=https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2013/03/cpac-2013-gay-republican-group-members-will-speak-at-convention.html |title=Finally, the gays have come back to CPAC |last=Weigel |first=David |date=March 7, 2013 |website=Slate |access-date=July 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610123350/https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2013/03/cpac-2013-gay-republican-group-members-will-speak-at-convention.html |archive-date=June 10, 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna50918296 |title=My ultimatum on accepting CPAC's invitation |last=Hayes |first=Chris |date=February 23, 2013 |website=NBC News |access-date=July 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614135112/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna50918296 |archive-date=June 14, 2021}}

==Leadership change==

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, and announced plans to step back from their day-to-day roles with the group.{{cite web |last=Geidner |first=Chris |date=April 26, 2013 |title=GOProud Leaders Stepping Aside For "Someone Else To Come In And Shake Things Up" |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/chrisgeidner/goproud-leaders-stepping-aside-for-someone-else-to-come-in-a |access-date=2013-06-18 |website=BuzzFeed News |publisher=}}

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=

==Founders leave GOProud and 2014 CPAC==

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.{{cite web |url=http://jimmylasalvia.com/2014/01/13/no-party/ |title=No Party |date=January 13, 2014 |first=Jimmy |last=LaSalvia |access-date=January 22, 2014 }}{{cite news|author-link = Michelangelo Signorile|first = Michelangelo|last = Signorile|url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/20/jimmy-lasalvia-republican-party-_n_4626851.html|title = Jimmy LaSalvia, Former GOProud Founder, On Republican Party's 'Cultural Disease,' Aaron Schock|newspaper = The Huffington Post|date = 2014-01-20|access-date = 2014-03-28}}

In February, founder Chris Barron resigned from GOProud to protest what he called "an unconditional surrender to the forces of bigotry"{{cite web|author=Chris Geidner |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/chrisgeidner/goproud-founder-chris-barron-leaves-board-over-cpac-flap |title=GOProud Founder Chris Barron Quits Board Over CPAC Flap |publisher=Buzzfeed.com |date=2014-02-20 |access-date=2014-03-28}} 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.{{cite web |last=Rothberg |first=Daniel |date=20 February 2014 |title=Founder of gay Republican group GOProud quits over CPAC dispute |url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-xpm-2014-feb-20-la-pn-cpac-gay-rights-goproud-conservative-20140219-story.html |access-date=2019-08-27 |website=Los Angeles Times}}

==Dissolution==

In June 2014, reports surfaced that the GOProud leadership had decided to dissolve the organization.{{cite news |url=http://www.bilerico.com/2014/06/lgbt_republican_group_goproud_to_shut_down.php |title=LGBT Republican Group GOProud to Shut Down |publisher=The Bilerico Project |date=2014-06-01 |access-date=2014-06-29 |archive-date=2015-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915051436/http://www.bilerico.com/2014/06/lgbt_republican_group_goproud_to_shut_down.php |url-status=dead }} 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."{{cite news |url=http://www.bilerico.com/2014/06/goproud_denies_then_admits_it_is_closing_down.php#GdvHhA4j2LdQ3vH3.99 |title=GOProud Denies, Then Admits It Is Closing Down |publisher=The Bilerico Project |date=2014-06-02 |access-date=2014-06-29 |archive-date=2015-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915051446/http://www.bilerico.com/2014/06/goproud_denies_then_admits_it_is_closing_down.php#GdvHhA4j2LdQ3vH3.99 |url-status=dead }} He then stated that GOProud planned to file dissolution papers with the government.{{cite news |author=David Badash |url=http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/gay-tea-party-group-goproud-definitely-shutting-down-director-admits-he-lied/news/2014/06/02/88447 |title=Gay Tea Party Group GOProud Definitely Shutting Down – Director Admits He Lied |newspaper=The New Civil Rights Movement |date=2014-06-02 |access-date=2014-06-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909062842/http://www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/gay-tea-party-group-goproud-definitely-shutting-down-director-admits-he-lied/news/2014/06/02/88447 |archive-date=2016-09-09 |url-status=dead }}

Political positions

According to its website, the top four issues concerning GOProud included "tax reform", "limited government", "freedom-focused foreign policy", and "choices in education".{{cite web|url=http://www.goproud.org/site/c.evkxiaoniljch/b.8476981/k.be33/home.htm#!what-we-believe/co6g |title=What we believe |publisher=Goproud.org |access-date=2013-12-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219193551/http://www.goproud.org/site/c.evkxiaoniljch/b.8476981/k.be33/home.htm |archive-date=2013-12-19 }}

On January 18, 2013, GOProud came out in support of same-sex marriage at a state by state level.{{cite news |last=Geidner |first=Chris |date=January 18, 2013 |title=GOProud Backs Civil Marriage For Gay Couples |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/chrisgeidner/goproud-backs-civil-marriage-for-gay-couples |access-date=2013-06-18 |work=BuzzFeed News |publisher=}} Prior to that, GOProud had no official position on marriage or relationship recognition.{{cite news|url=http://www.goproud.org/site/c.evKXIaONIlJcH/b.8526897/k.8649/Our_Position_on_Marriage.htm |title=GOProud on Marriage and Relationship Recognition |publisher=GOProud.org |access-date=2013-06-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513232140/http://www.goproud.org/site/c.evKXIaONIlJcH/b.8526897/k.8649/Our_Position_on_Marriage.htm |archive-date=2013-05-13 }} In 2011, Ann Coulter said she had convinced GOProud to take its support of same sex marriage out of its platform.{{cite news|url=http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=7582&MediaType=1&Category=26 |title=Ann Coulter Wants Thanks For Talking GOProud Out Of Supporting Gay Marriage |publisher=On Top Magazine|date= February 16, 2011|access-date=2013-06-18}}

While GOProud did not have an official position on abortion,{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2013/01/28/goproud-members-take-part-in-anti-abortion-march/|title=GOProud members take part in anti-abortion rally |last=Lavers |first=Michael |date=January 28, 2013 |website=Washington Blade |language=en-US |access-date=July 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114152425/https://www.washingtonblade.com/2013/01/28/goproud-members-take-part-in-anti-abortion-march/ |archive-date=January 14, 2016}} GOProud attended anti-abortion rallies and Christopher Barron said that "I want pro-life gays to know they have a home here."{{cite news|last=McGurn |first=William |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123966833747115385 |title=William McGurn Says GOProud Is Asking Republicans to Return to Its Reaganite Roots |publisher=Online.wsj.com |date=2009-04-14 |access-date=2013-11-02}} Jimmy LaSalvia opposed abortion and warned the gay community should be anti-abortion because of the threat of selective abortions of gay fetuses.{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2011/02/03/133472250/groups-skip-conservative-gathering-over-gay-sponsor |title=Groups skip conservative gathering over gay sponsor |last=Gonyea |first=Don |date=February 3, 2011 |website=NPR |access-date=July 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110206002046/https://www.npr.org/2011/02/03/133472250/groups-skip-conservative-gathering-over-gay-sponsor |archive-date=February 6, 2011}}

GOProud had no official position on the Employment Nondiscrimination Act{{cite news|url=http://blog.goproud.org/index834e.html?p=329 |title=Guest Commentary on ENDA from Corinna Cohn |publisher=GOProud.org |date=April 28, 2010 |access-date=2013-06-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110118004905/http://blog.goproud.org/index834e.html?p=329 |archive-date=January 18, 2011 }} or the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-barron/concealed-carry-if-youre_b_213912.html |title=Concealed Carry: If You're Interested in Preventing Hate Crimes, Let's Stop them Before They Happen |work=The Huffington Post|date=May 25, 2011|first=Christopher|last=Barron}} In 2009, GOProud supported the inclusion of the Thune-Vitter Concealed Carry Reciprocity Amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010.{{cite news|url=http://blog.goproud.org/index86fa.html?p=135 |title=GOProud's Support of Thune Amendment in Advocate Story |publisher=GOProud.org |date=July 21, 2009 |access-date=2013-06-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130620021440/http://blog.goproud.org/index86fa.html?p=135 |archive-date=June 20, 2013 }}

Personnel

Gabriel E. Gomez was a director of GOProud.{{cite web|first=Joshua|last= Miller |date=29 July 2013|access-date=2019-08-27|title=Gabriel Gomez joins board of conservative, gay rights organization |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/07/29/gabriel-gomez-joins-board-conservative-gay-rights-organization/3E7XyjCICNp4N0cS4xFaQL/story.html|website=The Boston Globe}}

Ann Coulter was a member of the advisory council beginning on August 9, 2011.{{cite news|title=Ann Coulter Joins Advisory Council of GOP Homosexual Group |url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/conservative-ann-coulter-joins-goproud-despite-her-cpac-affliation-53709/|access-date=May 3, 2013|newspaper=Christian Post Politics|date=August 10, 2011}}

GOProud had affiliates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.{{cite web |url=http://join-goproud.kintera.org/faf/teams/groupTeamStats.asp?ievent=1056747&lis=1&kntae1056747=2E6C4E97E2054ADD8299838DD1B64958 |title=State/Local Affiliate Ranking |publisher=Join-goproud.kintera.org |access-date=2014-03-28 |archive-date=2014-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203092842/http://join-goproud.kintera.org/faf/teams/groupTeamStats.asp?ievent=1056747&lis=1&kntae1056747=2E6C4E97E2054ADD8299838DD1B64958 |url-status=dead }} The Metroplex Republicans of Dallas and Right Pride (Nevada affiliate) were affiliated with GOProud.{{Cite web |last=Mooney |first=Michael J. |date=2012-06-20 |title=Why Dallas' Gay Republicans Just Can't Win |url=https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2012/july/why-dallas-gay-republicans-just-cant-win/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=D Magazine |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Michelle |date=August 19, 2010 |title=No Gay Angle to Sharrons Agenda |url=https://www.advocate.com/news/daily-news/2010/08/19/no-gay-angle-sharrons-agenda |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=The Advocate |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2010-03-15 |title=Group for gay conservatives launches |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/group-for-gay-conservatives-launches/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |language=en-US}}