As political discourse intensifies ahead of the November US elections, the focus on LGBTQ+ rights has heightened. This comes as at least 25 states have enacted bans on gender-affirming care for children, driven by Republican-led legislatures. These restrictions extend to bills dictating pronoun usage and educational content. Despite these developments, some LGBTQ+ individuals within the Republican Party remain committed to their conservative principles.

  1. Sarah Longwell Sarah Longwell, a political strategist and co-founder of Defending Democracy Together, has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump. Despite her opposition to Trump, Longwell remains a staunch Republican. She was the first female national board chair of the Log Cabin Republicans, which represents LGBTQ+ conservatives.

  2. Ryan Woods (Lady MAGA USA) Ryan Woods, known as Lady MAGA USA, is a drag queen and gay man from Utah who aims to merge patriotism with the conservative movement. A former Democrat, Woods supports banning gender-affirming care for children, asserting that some progressive parents may "force" transgender identities on their kids.

  3. Peter Thiel Peter Thiel, PayPal co-founder, has an estimated net worth of $10.5 billion. Although he endorsed Trump in 2016, he has announced he will not fund any candidates in the 2024 election, citing the government's inefficiencies under Trump's administration. Thiel was outed as gay in 2007 but remains influential in conservative circles.

  4. Caitlyn Jenner Reality TV star and former Olympian Caitlyn Jenner is another high-profile LGBTQ+ Republican. Jenner initially supported Trump in 2016 but later criticized him over his proposed transgender military ban. In a 2023 interview, she reiterated her preference for Trump as a leader, opposing President Joe Biden's administration.

  5. Mark Foley Former Congressman Mark Foley resigned in 2006 after sending sexually explicit messages to minors. His lawyer later confirmed Foley is gay. Despite the scandal, which led to his resignation and rehab for alcohol misuse and emotional issues, Foley’s conservative identity remains significant.

These LGBTQ+ Republicans illustrate the complexity of navigating individual identity within the broader political landscape, particularly as their party continues to shape policies affecting the LGBTQ+ community.