Gay Republicans

Sunday, September 18
Tower Theatre - 3:30 p.m.
$5 - buy tickets
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Scheduled to Appear: Wash Westmoreland, Mark R. Harris

This fascinating documentary covers what seems a true minority, the Gay Republican. Set during the difficult war over gay marriage and the second term election of George W. Bush, the members of the gay community who form the Log Cabin Republicans are torn between their love of party and the disregard of the leader they've chosen.

Like Fresno's own gay Republicans, gay conservatives nationwide are now confronting a party that is swinging wildly toward social activism and away from roots based in fiscal conservatism and national security issues that originally drew their interest. The pain and divisions caused are written on the faces of Westmoreland's main subjects. Mark Harris is a Republican before he's gay, visiting the Reagan Presidential Library once a year and arguing vociferously with liberals at every opportunity.

Carol Newman is a trial lawyer who wants to marry her Democrat girlfriend, but finds no allies within her own party. Maurice Bonamigo is the epitome of a rich Republican from Palm Beach, Florida, who makes no apologies either for being gay or for supporting George W. despite his policies on gay marriage.

Finally, you'll see the struggles of handsome Arizona State Representative Steve May, a US Army reservist discharged for being gay, as he joins the Log Cabin Republicans in making the anguished decision to either back their leader in 2004 or back their convictions as gay people first. A wonderfully compelling and intellectually stimulating documentary, to be followed by an equally stimulating Q&A session.

Directed by Wash Westmoreland
2004, USA, video, 63 minutes

Screening Sponsor: CTX Mortgage Company and London Properties
Day Sponsor: Warner Company