One Institute announced today “Los Angeles and the Rise & Fall of Gay Republicans,” an exclusive conversation and book signing for the newly published Coming Out Republican: A History of the Gay Right. Writer and political commentator Neil J. Young will excavate the history of the gay Republicans that birthed Los Angeles’ early homophile movement, and their relevance to today’s political moment. This free event will take place on August 22, 2024 at One Gallery in West Hollywood, CA.
Coming Out Republican is the first comprehensive history of the “gay Right,” a group of largely conservative and libertarian gay men whose most prominent members included some of One Institute’s own founders. At the event, Young will discuss the origins, motivations, and evolutions of these LGBTQ+ conservatives, and why many continue to align with a party whose policies often work against the LGBTQ+ community. Given the Republican Party’s renewed assault on LGBTQ+ rights and the stakes of the 2024 election, understanding the significant history of the gay Right in Los Angeles and the lessons their story has for the future of American politics has never been more critical.
“Gay Republicans and conservatives have always been a part of the LGBTQ+ community, much to the befuddlement of many liberal queers,” said Tony Valenzuela, Executive Director. “This conversation aims to shed light on the identity of gay conservatives and explore their contributions to our history.”
This event will take place at One Gallery in West Hollywood on Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. Doors for the program open at 5:45 p.m. The book talk will begin at 6:00 p.m. and includes time for audience members to ask questions. Those in attendance will also have the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of the book, courtesy of Book Soup, following the talk.
Admission to this event is free. Register online at bit.ly/ComingOutRepublicanTalk.
This event is presented by One Institute. Special thanks to the evening’s bookseller, Book Soup.
About the Author
Neil J. Young is a writer and the author of We Gather Together: The Religious Right and the Problem of Interfaith Politics. His work has appeared in publications including the New York Times, Washington Post, Atlantic, and Los Angeles Times, and he cohosts the history podcast Past Present. He lives in Los Angeles.
About Coming Out Republican
The Washington Blade says about Coming Out Republican: “In the fractious political atmosphere we have now, it’s essential to understand how gay conservatives have influenced politics through the decades…It may be one of the most eye-opening books you’ll read.”
In Coming Out Republican (The University of Chicago Press, 2024), political historian and commentator Neil J. Young provides the first comprehensive history of the gay Right. From the 1950s up to the present day, Young excavates the multifarious origins, motivations, and evolutions of LGBTQ+ people who found their way to the institutions and networks of modern conservatism. Many on the gay Right have championed conservative values—like free markets, a strong national defense, and individual liberty—and believed that the Republican Party therefore offered LGBTQ+ people the best pathway to freedom. Meanwhile, that same party has actively and repeatedly demonized them. With his precise and provocative voice, Young details the complicated dynamics of being in—and yet never fully accepted into—the Republican Party.
Coming Out Republican provides striking insight into who LGBTQ+ conservatives are, what they want, and why many of them continue to align with a party whose rank and file largely seem to hate them. As the Republican Party renews its assaults on LGBTQ+ rights, understanding the significant history of the gay Right has never been more critical.
About One Institute
Founded in 1952, One Institute (formerly ONE Archives Foundation) is the oldest active LGBTQ+ organization in the United States. One Institute produces one-of-a-kind exhibitions and public programs that elevate queer and trans history and embrace emerging stories. Through K-12 teacher trainings, lesson plans, and youth mentorship programs, One empowers the next generation of teachers and students bringing queer and trans history into classrooms and communities. Additionally, the Institute assists in promoting the materials within ONE Archives at the USC Libraries, which houses the largest collection of LGBTQ+ materials in the world.
The curatorial and educational choices made by One Institute are guided by our commitment to social equity and justice. We engage with the complexity of LGBTQ+ history and representation through highlighting the intersectional and authentic narratives of Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC), women, gender- nonconforming and transgender people, people of various abilities, youth, and elders across all socio-economic classes.
Learn more at oneinstitute.org, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @oneinstitutela.
