One of the common complaints I’ve heard against the GOP during their convention here in Minnesota is how less-diverse was the makeup of the attendees.

The thought behind the complaint is that the Republicans are hopelessly bigoted and racist, the last bastion in America for those who are fearful of anyone other than White Anglo Saxon Protestants.

While I would agree with that the GOP is too white and too male and also think that the GOP has to do a better job of reaching out to persons of color, women and gays, I would also like bring up another question:

Does anyone know how hard it is to be a someone that is not white and male and be a Republican?

Many on the left cluck their tongues in collective shame at the supposed racism of the GOP. That is not to say there is no bigotry in the GOP, it’s there. But what many on the left forget is that if a person, be they African-American, gay or a woman comes out as Republican, they are savaged by those on the Left as not being true representatives of their identity.

Black Republicans are called “Uncle Toms” and some depicted in ways that would be considered racist if they were Black Democrats. Gay Republicans are described as self-loathing. Women are looked down as incredibly submissive weaklings that can’t think for themselves .

I’m not saying that the GOP doesn’t have problems. Believe me, I’ve been part of Log Cabin Republicans for several years and have dealt with anti-gay bigots. But the fact is, a lot of people who might have more conservative views do not dare share those views in the open because they will have to face withering criticism from those on the left that can’t understand why someone can’t be (state your group here) and a Republican.

For years I’ve sat at a booth during our local Pride festival for Log Cabin. Some people share words of encouragement, but I have seen how people sneer or yell at us for whatever policy is out there. You are looked at as a traitor to your group, never mind your own pride.

What I would like to see is that liberals be more welcoming of gay conservatives, conservative women and conservatives of color. Sure, be critical of the policies they might support; that’s American and that’s democratic. But don’t treat them as if they are not part of their ethnic group or gender or sexual minority group because they are Republicans. Don’t shame them because of their views.

To be blunt, when some on the Left do that, they are being just as bigoted as the people they accuse of being bigoted.