On Feb. 12, Jimmy LaSalvia spoke on behalf of an organization called GOProud at an event titled "Being Gay in the Republican Party" in the Golding Judaica Center.

The Brandeis Libertarian Conservative Union invited LaSalvia, the founder of GOProud, a U.S. Political Action Committee that represents "conservative gay men, lesbians, and their allies who seek to promote freedom by supporting free markets, limited government, and a respect for individual rights," according to the organization.

First, LaSalvia spoke about the turbulent transition he went through after coming out and feeling that he had to fit a certain stereotype. He was able to reengage in politics around the time of the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2004. After being part of a grassroots organization in Kentucky, he helped to found GOProud.

LaSalvia went on to speak about how the gay community benefits from conservative legislation that GOProud promotes, from Second Amendment rights to a fair tax, which he says is needed in place of having the government pick "winners and losers."

LaSalvia noted many instances during which the gay community has been able to defend itself from hate crimes by using guns, since he said there is no legislation Congress can pass to truly protect the gay community.

He said he would like to redefine the "gay agenda," which currently stands for liberal values.

LaSalvia commended Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who spoke out against Iran's maltreatment of homosexuals at the opening of the UN's general assembly.

LaSalvia said Israel is "where gays go to be free" and thus the U.S. should support Israel accordingly. LaSalvia also supports asylum for gay people who are persecuted in their countries.

LaSalvia used many creative descriptions to make his points, such as saying that he would not try to "fry up the turd to make it taste good," referring to what he believes is the sorry state of the Republican Party.

He believes that the way to garner more support for the party is to tone down the reputation of its discrimination, and explained that this will become easier as more and more people come out. LaSalvia added that "the folks who are fighting gay marriage claim to be conservative, but they're really not," and called these supposed conservatives "out of touch."

He emphasized the fact that it is 2013 and with television shows like Modern Family and Downton Abbey featuring gay characters, it is becoming easier for the gay community to be accepted. At this point he pointed out a few students, assuming their fanhood of the latter television show.

"I feel like the event was executed well. He actually came off better than I thought it would, but when I sit down next to the other people of my club and he comes up to us and says, 'Oh, this is the gay row.' I think that's a problem, and most of the event he was making comments about that being our particular row," said attendee Joe Babeu '15, who is registered as an independent, in an interview with the Justice.

"That whole comment and a few other comments distracted me from what the point of the event should have been, which is LGBT people's place in the party," said Babeu.

A question-and-answer session followed LaSalvia's speech. Among the questions asked was one inquiring into the controversy involving LaSalvia's tweet using the "f-word."

It was directed against Rick Perry's campaign director at the time, who was allegedly sponsoring anti-gay ads. LaSalvia said that he stands by everything but the use of that word.

Another question was regarding GOProud's stance on the Violence Against Women Act, which is intended to combat domestic abuse against women and specifically protects those populations regardless of "sexual orientation" or "gender identity."

He said that GOProud does not have a stance on it, but he personally does not support it due to complex workings in the bill.

Addressing a question about his support of conservative, anti-gay candidates, LaSalvia said in an interview with the Justice that due to fiscal policy differences between Democrats and Republicans, he does not have the luxury of crossing off Republicans. He believes that in their "heart of hearts," Republicans like former presidential candidate Mitt Romney are not "anti-gay bigots."

"Whenever I go to political events ... I always realize how [messed up] American politics are because ...you only have the choice between two parties, and in the end [you have] to choose the better bad thing," said Tamar Lyssy '16, an attendee, in an interview with the Justice.

"I thought it was really interesting, but I also think he didn't cover the point [of] why he decides to support Republicans who seem anti-gay," Lyssy said. "He says not all of them are, and I'm sure he's right, but why can't they stand up and say it?"
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