Dan did a post a few days ago, but I wanted to re-invite our friends in the Los Angeles area to join me and him for “Meatless Monday” by enjoying a hearty steak dinner at Outback Steakhouse in Glendale, Calif. The official event invite is here on Facebook.

And since I’m also new Vice Chair of GOProud, I’ll be talking about our new efforts at chapter development and outreach.

For those not familiar with “The Great Steak Dinner Bet,” here’s the video from CPAC 2010.

-Bruce (@GayPatriot)

In his piece on the HomoCon Tipping Point, Bruce writes

. . . formerly-conservative gay blogger Andrew Sullivan – never one to miss a chance to hammer the alleged intolerance of American conservatives – finally weighed in. Sullivan was completely silent about Sorba on Friday.  And Saturday.  But two days later, when he found a new angle, Sullivan couldn’t help himself.  The story was too juicy for even him to ignore and he joined the blogosphere left-wing media bandwagon since he knew the way the winds were blowing.  Nevertheless, Sullivan labeled Sorba “a glimpse into the future of Republicanism.”

Once again, to Andrew, I ask, “Show me the evidence.”  How did he reach this conclusion?  Attended any meetings of Republicans lately?  Walked any precincts for Republican candidates?  Interviewed Republican candidates?

Perhaps, instead of lambasting the GOP for its supposed intolerance of gay people, he should step back and realize his part in getting us to the tipping point.  No matter how obsessed he has become today with Sarah Palin’s womb and an imaginary Republican Party, his courage–and his outspokenness–in the 1990s made it easier for guys like Bruce and me to come out in Republican and conservative circles in the mid-1990s and today.

Andrew Sullivan was the first gay openly man to publicly challenge the left-wing gay orthodoxy from a very prominent platform.  He set an example; when we debated coming out as gay to our fellow conservatives or as conservative to our fellow gays, we knew we were not alone.  As the pioneer (to to speak), Sullivan took a lot of flak reserved for such individuals.  By the time we came out, a gay conservative was no long such a novel thing; fewer defenders of the orthodoxy reacted as vehemently as they did when Andrew first challenged their statist shibboleths. (more…)

I am thrilled to announce that as of today, I’m a new contributor at Andrew Breitbart’s Big Journalism site.  My first post summarizes the “homocon tipping point” that occurred this past weekend at the CPAC conference.

Here’s a taste:

The reaction from the mainstream media and Gay Left blog community was swift and predictable:   CPAC boos the gays. Most delivered their verdicts without being at the conference itself, talking to anyone there or even watching the earlier video where Alexander McCobin was applauded.  The idea that the conservative movement would actually rally behind GOProud at the CPAC conference was completely unimaginable to those on the Left as news of the event spread.

But there’s a LOT more.  I encourage you to read the whole thing.

And, while I’m at it, let me suck up a bit to my new partner — the conservative media bulldog Andrew Breitbart.

Andrew Breitbart of Breitbart.com, BigGovernment.com, BigJournalism.com, BigHollywood.com is big.   He is bigger than all his entities combined, he is big energy, big bravery, big wallet, and big-hearted to take on seemingly endless government corruption in the Obama administration.  He fills any room with his aura and his voice.  Everyone knows when Breitbart is in the house.

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

On Saturday at CPAC, Jimmy LaSalvia (Executive Director of GOProud), was a featured speaker on a panel regarding grassroots organizing in the Internet age.  Jimmy’s presentation is also a great story about how GOProud was formed, using social networking tools, and one of the first legislative battles the group faced last year.

The video is in three parts below.

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by the CPAC Blogger of the Year, Ed Morrissey on his live broadcast from the Blogger’s Lounge.

Here is the video. I’m anxious for your thoughts.

Friends and foes alike.  I’m regularly asked the ignorant, biased-laden question:  How can you possibly be gay and a conservative (or Republican).

Aside from my believing in First Principles trump everything (Declaration of Independence and US Constitution as foundational documents) and my rejection of identity politics, it is my strong belief in America’s individual liberty and freedom and free enterprise that makes me a conservative.

But watch this video.  It is former Ohio Rep. Bob McEwen “speaking at CPAC 2010 where he delivered an outstanding presentation on Basic Economics and why Free Market Principles are essential to maintaining prosperity and freedom in America. He does a truly outstanding job, and explains it in language anyone can understand.” (Thanks to Freedom’s Lighthouse for the video).

By showing this video, I will no longer be answering the previous referenced question.  If you don’t have the time to watch this, I will not have the time to discuss my political philosophy with you.

That is why THIS is the most important video I’ve ever posted. McEwen is a rock star. Thank you, sir.

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

GayPatriot readers, let me introduce you to Alexander McCobin from Students For Liberty.  Alexander was one of the student activists who spoke from the main CPAC stage yesterday.  He spoke up IN FAVOR of CPAC’s including GOProud BEFORE Ryan Sorba’s tirade a few minutes later.

THIS IS THE PART OF THE STORY THAT HASN’T BEEN TOLD YET.

UPDATE at 5:00PM – I’ve learned a couple of important facts that shed some more light on this whole incident. First, folks have emailed pointing out that there were boos when Alexander spoke (see video) below. But the boos were quickly and resoundingly overtaken by applause. Secondly, the booing was started by none other than Ryan Sorba and it is quite possible he was THE ONLY one booing since he was onstage and near a microphone.

From Students For Liberty on the CPAC kerfuffle:

Background: http://studentsforliberty.org/news/sfl-causes-cpac-controversy/
Videos: http://studentsforliberty.org/news/sfl-controversy-video/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/studentsforliberty

Secondly, I have found out that Ryan’s outburst was a publicity stunt. Ryan is hawking a new book called “The ‘Born Gay’ Myth”. That pretty much speaks for itself and the CPAC crowd rejected Ryan’s message and tactics resoundingly.

The first video is Alexander’s remarks yesterday.

The second video is my interview with Alexander this morning.

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

Folks, I’m relegated to writing this from my iPhone. But it is big news and a huge topic tonight at CPAC.

Earlier today, during a student activist session on the CPAC main stage, one brave young man thanked the group for including GOProud as a sponsor this year.

A few minutes later, another student launched into an anti-gay tirade from the same podium. The CPAC attendees turned on him and booed him off-stage.

HotAir.com has the video on their front page. GP readers, if you could put some links in the comments — that would be great.

Today was a turning point for gays in the conservative movement. I’m so glad I am here to see it in person.

UPDATE (from Dan):  A friend linked me this post from Students For Liberty (maybe we should set up group, “Gays For Liberty”) on this matter.  Seems some left-wing bloggers are taking notice.  This is a big deal and shows that most mainstream conservatives don’t have much stomach for such nasty rhetoric.

Two important questions were asked of Rep. Pence.  First, the obvious — are you running for President.  Answer – No plans to, but focused on short-term goals — retaking the House and serving his constituents.  He did say late he hopes to serve Indiana in a broader role in the future.

Then @collegepolitico asked – “Will the GOP retake the House in 2010?”

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

Okay folks, this is one of the panels I’ve been waiting for.  John Fund from Wall Street Journal & author of “Stealing Elections: How Voter Fraud Threatens Our Democracy”; Anita MonCrief, former ACORN employee; David Norcross, Republican National Lawyers Association and moderator Cleta Mitchell from the American Conservative Union Foundation.

US Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) is now speaking and introducing the panel.  Issa has been a leader exposing the insiduous influence on our electoral process that ACORN and other left-wing groups have had.

More to come as it happens….

Issa is still talking — about Obama agenda in general, the voter fraud stuff is still to come…

CPAC UNEXPECTED BULLETIN: US Rep. Mike Pence held a surprise bloggers’ press conference in the lounge.  The feed from the stage was stopped and I got some video & pics of Pence which I’ll post in a few minutes….

No open-minded person watching the current CPAC panel can say that conservatives do not seriously debate issues.  Former US Rep. Bob Barr and former Vietnamese refugee Viet Dinh (now professor at Georgetown University Law Center) have been going at it on the fundamental question of “Does Security Trump Freedom”?

I challenge any liberal group to honestly say that they would have such a robust debate in their echo chambers.

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

Thanks for the embed code from @JamesRichardson!

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

Congrats to one of the best and nicest guys in the blogosphere.  I can’t imagine anyone more deserving.  And, he was introduced by Rush Limbaugh from behind the Golden EIB microphone via videolink.

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

UPDATE (from Dan):  Bruce, there you go again, confusing me.  Now I’ve met Ed and agree he’s a super nice guy—and a great blogger to boot, well deserving of this honor, but you see, when I introduced myself to this right-wing hero, I identified our blog and it didn’t bother him (1) that I’m gay or (2) that I blog at a site for gay conservatives.  Not just that, Bruce, this fella defended the inclusion of GOProud at CPAC!  On his website–as a blogger–and these wing-nuts are honoring him?!?!?!?  What gives, Bruce?

Ugh. Frustrating Day Two.  My laptop isn’t working, my iPhone isn’t working and I overslept.  That all being said, I’m finally in Blogger’s Lounge and PatriotPartner is our “floor reporter” (photos to follow soon!).

I was interviewed this morning by National Journal on gay issues.  I think it came out well.  Time will tell, eh?

I did catch most all of Cong. Mike Pence’s speech about an hour ago.  Good stuff.  Jimmy LaSalvia (GOProud.org) and I disagree on Pence as Presidential material.  So I’ll have to see what Jimmy thought about Pence’s speech.

So far in Blogger’s Lounge — we’ve had a visit from Gov. Tim Pawlenty and the FOX News crew who came by a few minutes ago.  I’ll have short video up on Pawlenty in a few minutes.

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

Just a quick note as the night draws to a close here in DC. What an amazing first day at CPAC!! I’m walking around with a badge blaring “GayPatriot.org” and the folks here couldn’t be nicer!

Lots of GP readers are stopping me to say hello. Dan–this is the reason we have done this for 5 years!!!!

The Blogger Panel this afternoon was a blast and the room was packed.

And Chris & Jimmy are doing a kickass job at the GOProud booth in the exhibit hall.

Thanks CPAC for such a warm welcome!!

From two fellow bloggers here at CPAC.

Kevin from Lakeshore Laments has this one.

And this one from Steve from NoRunnyEggs.com:

Thanks, guys!

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

Senator Brown is speaking now and about to introduce Mitt Romney.  I’ll have a short video clip in a moment….

VIDEO of Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA):

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

Dick Cheney is here and will introduce Liz in a few moments…

UPDATE: FOX News was wrong.  Liz wasn’t introduced by her Dad.   Maybe afterwards???

UPDATE: Yep, Dick Cheney made it…. but after Liz spoke.  It was a great moment.  He got a standing ovation and all of the bloggers poured out of the room to see the stage.  My camera crapped out, but hoping to find some pics soon.

Photo from John (PatriotPartner) of Dick Cheney from CPAC floor:

My Twitter entry:  “Nation’s most vocal supporter of gay marriage & removing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell speaks at #CPAC10 – DICK CHENEY! HA.”

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

Link to CPAC at Townhall.com.  The theme of CPAC10 is “Saving Freedom”  Also the name of Jim DeMint’s book.  Hmmm.

Reminder, yours truly will be a panelist on the Blogger Free For All Panel at 4pm.

-Bruce (GayPatriot)

Marco is coming on in a few minutes and is now being introduced by the esteemed conservative US Senator Jim DeMint from South Carolina (also known as PatriotMom’s Senator).

Stay tuned….

Rubio: “The blizzard may be the best thing to happen to the American economy in 12 months!”

Rubio is now articulating the fundamentals of America — First Principles.  “The only country where it doesn’t matter who your parents were.  Which country would you trade places with?”

“Those with a worldview that were elected in 2008 are now using the economic downturn, not to fix America, but to change America.  This growth in our government is being funded by foreign money.”

“The good news is that it didn’t take Americans a long time to figure this out.  Leaders at the highest levels are trying to redefine the American government and economic system.  But Americans have figured it out.”

“This is the single greatest political pushback in American history.  2010 is a referendum on the very identity of our nation.”

AWESOME: “The US Senate already has one Arlen Specter in it.”  [referring to Charlie Crist]

Rubio is now articulating coherent pro-growth, pro-free enterprise policies that most Americans would believe in.

Rubio: “These [Islamic] terrorists aren’t trying to kill us because we offended them.  They are trying to impose their view of the world on us and America is standing in the way.”

Rubio: “What makes America great is that there are dreams that are impossible everywhere else, but are possible here.  Why is that?  Most other countries chose government to run their lives.  The problem is that when govt controls the economy, those who can influence the govt always win — and everyone else stays the same.  In other nations, the employee can never become the employer.”

“Americans chose individual liberty instead of excessive government.”

“Everything I’ve accomplished, I owe to my parents, my God and to the United States of America.”  Marcoooooo!

“Let us ensure that history’s record of this time is clear.  Like those Americans who came before us, we rose to face the challenges of our time.  Let us make the right choices so that the American miracle can live on.”