I've been mulling this question for quite a while and realized that I need to go straight to the well to get the answer I seek.
Markos, you have repeatedly decried "single-issue" advocacy groups as counter-productive to the Progressive/Liberal Movement as a whole and cite NARAL's endorsement of Lincoln Chaffee as one of many examples.
You've also touted Brian Schweitzer as the next best thing since organic, sliced bread and he is, admittedly, a rising star in the Democratic Party. However, Brian Schweitzer endorsed a state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.
When asked about civil unions or domestic partnerships recently when he came to NYC he said, "Montana is not on the coasts" (as though only gays were) and "feel free to draw up whatever legal contracts you need to" as though that would suffice. His repsonse effectively ruled out any real protections for us that you hets take for granted.
As a gay man, I could not support Schweitzer because of this. I would be no better than a Log Cabin Republican if I did. So my question is, would you consider GLBT equality and civil rights as a "single issue" in-line with NARAL and what not?
I dont think our issues are matter of privacy because civil rights are very, very public. Marriage, adoption, parental rights, partnership rights, all down to the right to hold my partner's hand in public and kiss him, publicly, as any het couple would do are things I would not consider private at all. When you say "private" it makes me think you want us in the closet again - for the good of the movement.
Many "progressives/liberals" think it's our fault Dems lose elections. I disagree and I bet Paul Hackett, Eliot Spitzer and Rep. Anthony Weiner would concur.
What are your thoughts on this and what would be your advice to us so that we aren't left behind?