Last week I had the honor to speak at a No on Proposition 8 event in West Hollywood.  Thirty people joined together share their passion for equal rights, donate their money and learn how they can help defeat the discriminatory measure to eliminate the right of marriage for gays and lesbians in California. 

This was the third such event I had attended in 2 weeks, but this one was different. This event was to raise money to support Republicans Against 8, a PAC created to mobilize republicans to vote no on proposition 8.

In the weeks preceding the event, I invited dozens friends and acquaintances to attend, but only one joined.  Friends know I am a proud democrat and I was repeatedly asked why I was involved with an event supporting republicans.  Many used the conversation as an opportunity to put down our LGBT brothers and sisters who are affiliated with the GOP.

At first I wasn't bothered by their reactions or shunning of our Republican counterparts because it has become so commonplace, but as the conversation repeated itself again and again I found myself increasingly agitated.

For years, organizations like The National Gay and Lesbian Taskforce and Equality California have demonstrated that community organizing is the backbone of the LGBT rights movement.  However, to win we need to organize the masses, leaving no ally on the side lines.  So, my friends, how can you be so quick to leave anyone behind who agrees with us on defending the right of same-sex couples to marry?  Are we really willing to alienate our Republican LGBT brothers and sisters at the detriment of our civil rights movement? 

Republicans across the State of California, gay and straight alike, are willing and ready to vote No on Proposition 8.  LGBT Republicans through Log Cabin Republicans and Republicans Against 8 were at the California Republican Convention working to educate fellow Republicans why voting No on Prop 8 is important.  And, LGBT republicans want and deserve all the same rights and privileges as LGBT Democrats, Independents, Green Party members, etc., and we can't afford to leave them out of our civil rights fight.

All across California, openly LGBT Republicans are fighting for equal rights as they change hearts and minds by educating members of their party.  They are helping to defeat Prop 8 and ensure a win for equality in CA.

This is about people.  This is about legal equality.  This is NOT about party politics.

Embrace ALL of our allies and brace for the celebration of victory in defeating Proposition 8 on November 4th.