EVEN AS the perimeters of GLBT freedom have widened in the 21st century, the once vibrant community of activist gay Republicans finds itself in a crisis threatening its future viability in American political life. The shift in control of Congress in the 2006 midterm elections has cost them whatever influence they may have had on Capitol Hill. Moreover, the increasing polarization of American politics along ideological and regional lines has marginalized socially liberal Republicans as the religious Right has tightened its grip on the GOP. In a time of political realignment, gay Republicans find themselves on the wrong side of trends in both the Republican Party and the GLBT community.
