Growing a gay old party

LCR'S MISSION STATEMENT

We are loyal Republicans. We believe in low taxes, limited government, strong defense, free markets, personal responsibility, and individual liberty. Log Cabin represents an important part of the American family--taxpaying, hardworking people who proudly believe in this nation's greatness. We also believe all Americans have the right to liberty, freedom, and equality. Log Cabin stands up against those who preach hatred and intolerance. We stand up for the idea that all Americans deserve to be treated equal--regardless of their sexual orientation.

SHOW US THE MONEY

Log Cabin Republicans has experienced unprecedented growth over the last three years. Its annual budget in 2002 was just under $350,000, compared with over $1.9 million in 2004. The group raises money through membership dues, chapter dues, a significant donor base, and fund-raisers hosted by board members.

Given the sizable budget, the office staff in the group's Washington, D.C., headquarters is relatively small: currently four full-time and one part-time staff. "We don't want a big bureaucracy," says Patrick Guerriero, the group's president, "We get scrutinized by our members because they are Republican and they don't want a huge operation here."

Of total expenses in 2004, 86% was spent on program services, including chapter development and the group's annual convention, 11% went to administration, and only 3% was spent on fund-raising.

'We actually need to do more work in the development arena-especially with Republicans controlling the White House and Congress now, our budget should be bigger," Guerriero says. "But it is difficult to convince a community that is largely progressive that they should invest in Log Cabin's work."

Kuhr is editor at large of the Boston-based LGBT newspaper In Newsweekly.

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