Mainstream acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community continues to grow in the United States. But Republicans and their fellow travelers on the far right still think that homophobia is a winning issue for them.
It's true that trans acceptance is lagging, but even that is headed up rather than down.
In 2004, GOP-controlled state legislatures used anti-gay marriage ballot initiatives to try to drive up far right voter turnout in the presidential election that year. While all 11 ballot initiatives succeeded, it's unclear how much effect they had on the actual presidential vote.
So the use of homophobia by Republicans to excite their base is nothing new. But this far into the 21st century it will bring them diminishing returns.
Small but hyperactive groups of hatemongers have taken it upon themselves to engage in high profile activities designed to undermine support for the LGBTQ+ community. Their pressure on Bud Light and Target are examples of such actions.
Politicians and businesses need to understand that there are more disadvantages than advantages for them to cave in to the anti-LGBTQ+ hate campaigns.
