Everyone associates Texas with the Republican Party.It’s hard not to. But what does the Republican Party of Texas actually stand for? Are they homophobic? Transphobic? Close-minded? The answer is a resounding yes – and we should pay attention. Texas is an influential state in national politics. Its sheer size can determine a presidential election and swells the state's importance in the House.

Texas is a friendly place. In fact, the name "Texas" comes from the Native-American Caddo language and means "friend" or "ally". It is a place where individualism is celebrated and everyone is encouraged to chart their own path in life.People really do believe there’s nothing they can’t do. As a Texan, I believe in these things. But we're not living up to our name. The State of Texas is not even close to being called an "ally" to gay, lesbian and transgendered people.

In Texas, you're told you can do anything, but if you're a particular type of person, there are some basic things that you can't do.If you’re gay or lesbian couple, you can’t get married.If you’re a young person, you can’t rely on your public school to provide you with medically accurate sex education.

How can a state that is seemingly so open and accepting of diverse people and individuality be so close minded at the same time?

A part of this is politics. Currently, the Republican Party of Texas has a stranglehold on Texas politics; they hold every state-wide office.Recently the Grand Old Party in Texas adopted its newest platform. See for yourself.

WARNING: Some of the content you are about to read is disturbing and may be objectionable to some readers. 

Taken directly from the 2010 Texas GOP Platform (original wording, edited for brevity):

Family and Defense of Marriage

We support the definition of marriage as a God–ordained, legal and moral commitment only between a natural man and a natural woman, which is the foundational unit of a healthy society, and we oppose the assault on marriage by judicial activists…We further call on Congress to pass and the state legislatures to ratify a marriage amendment declaring that marriage in the United States shall consist of and be recognized only as the union of a natural man and a natural woman…The primary family unit consists of those related by blood, heterosexual marriage, or adoption.

Family Values

We affirm that this section is a response to the attacks on traditional family values. These include wellfunded, vigorous political and judicial attempts by powerful organizations and branches of the government to force acceptance, affirmation and normalization of homosexual behavior upon school children, parents, educational institutions, businesses, employees, government bodies and religious institutions and charities. These aggressive, intolerant efforts marginalize as bigots anyone who dissents.

Homosexuality

We believe that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society, contributes to the breakdown of the family unit, and leads to the spread of dangerous, communicable diseases. Homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God, recognized by our country’s founders, and shared by the majority of Texans. Homosexuality must not be presented as an acceptable “alternative” lifestyle in our public education and policy, nor should “family” be redefined to include homosexual “couples.” We are opposed to any granting of special legal entitlements, refuse to recognize, or grant special privileges including, but not limited to: marriage between persons of the same sex (regardless of state of origin), custody of children by homosexuals, homosexual partner insurance or retirement benefits. We oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction, or belief in traditional values.

Texas Sodomy Statutes

We oppose the legalization of sodomy. We demand that Congress exercise its authority granted by the U.S. Constitution to withhold jurisdiction from the federal courts from cases involving sodomy.

Pornography

We urge more stringent legislation to prohibit all pornography including virtual pornography and operation of sexually–oriented businesses.

Adoption

We oppose … adoption by homosexuals.

Sonograms

We urge the Texas legislature in its next biennial session to enact legislation requiring a sonogram be performed and offered as part of the consent process to each mother seeking an elective abortion.

Party Candidates and the Platform on Protecting Innocent Human Life

We implore our Party to support, financially or with in-kind contributions, only those candidates who support protecting innocent human life.

Partial Birth Abortion

We oppose partial birth abortion. We recommend that Congress eliminate from all federal court jurisdictions all cases involving challenges to banning Partial Birth Abortion.

Right To Life

All innocent human life must be respected and safeguarded from fertilization to natural death; therefore, the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed. We affirm our support for a Human Life Amendment to the Constitution and to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment’s protection applies to unborn children.

AIDS / HIV

We recognize that the preventable diseases of AIDS and HIV infection represent a threat to human health ... because AIDS represents such a severe threat to both the health and economic well–being of our citizens, we insist that the epidemic be de–politicized and that as a society, we take all appropriate steps to protect our citizens from this epidemic. All people, no matter what disease they may contract, are worthy of deep respect as humans; however, behavior has personal and social consequences. We call upon the United States Public Health Service and all states to declare HIV a “dangerous, yet preventable, infectious, communicable disease.” It should be legally reported in the same manner as any communicable disease. We oppose the needle exchange and bleach kit programs. We urge the return to the requirement of blood testing in order to obtain a marriage license with the previous reporting responsibilities to prevent the spread of dangerous, infectious, and communicable diseases.

Sex Education

We recognize parental responsibility and authority regarding sex education. We support policies that mandate parental notification and consent before any sex education program is presented to their child. Parents must be given an opportunity to review the material prior to giving their consent. We oppose any sex education other than abstinence until heterosexual marriage.

Morning After Pill

We oppose sale and use of the dangerous “Morning After Pill.”

School Health Care

We urge legislators to prohibit reproductive health care services, including counseling, referrals, and distribution of condoms and contraception through public schools. We support the parents’ right to choose, without penalty, which medications are administered to their minor children. We oppose medical clinics on school property except higher education and health care for students without parental consent.

Safeguarding Our Religious Liberties

We affirm that the public acknowledgement of God is undeniable in our history and is vital to our freedom, prosperity and strength. We pledge our influence toward a return to the original intent of the First Amendment and toward dispelling the myth of separation of church and state.