Sail Your Family Away From The Red Sea Toward Bluer Waters

Well, well, well, if it isn't Carlos and his dear old aunt, living in a fantasy land where Trump is the best thing to happen to the LGBT community since the invention of glitter. 

Yeah, right! Carlos, bless his heart, tried to point out Trump's infamous ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, but his dear aunt just wouldn't budge. You know, because a ban on military service is so pro-gay, right? Hey, Auntie, how about you take a stroll down reality lane and smell the discrimination?

Are the Log Cabin Republicans (an LGBT organization affiliated with the Republican Party) immoral?

Then there's Kieran, a 34-year-old gay man from an Irish-American family. Kieran has a cousin who would give anything to believe that conservative Republican senators and congressmen are paragons of virtue when it comes to LGBT rights. 

Oh, come on! Kieran, being the smart cookie he is, brought up the fact that these so-called "champions of equality" have a long track record of opposing anti-discrimination laws. What's next, Kieran's cousin? Are you going to tell us they're also fighting for marriage equality with the ferocity of a rabid raccoon? Give us a break!

Are Republicans the new anti-gay KKK?

And let's not forget Jamal, a 45-year-old gay man from an African American family. His brother, who could win an Olympic medal in mental gymnastics, insists that conservative Republicans are all about that LGBT life. You've got to be kidding me! 

Jamal, being the voice of reason, reminds his brother about the relentless support for religious freedom laws that can lead to discrimination against LGBT individuals. Seriously, Jamal's brother, you can't have your cake and eat it too. Or in this case, you can't claim to support LGBT rights while simultaneously endorsing discrimination.

Log Cabin Republicans: heroes or traitors?

Now, if you're like Carlos, Kieran, and Jamal, and you're tired of dealing with family members who insist on supporting conservative Republican candidates who claim to be pro-gay, then boy, have I got some tips for you. 

You see, there's this little thing called persuasion techniques. And no, it's not some Jedi mind trick, but it might as well be.

Empathy and active listening

First, let's talk about the importance of empathy and active listening. No, I'm not asking you to hold hands and sing "Kumbaya" with your Trump-supporting relatives, but you do need to try and understand where they're coming from. 

Hey, we're all human, right? Even if their political opinions make you want to bang your head against a wall.

Storytelling

I'm not talking about campfire ghost stories here, but rather using real-life experiences to drive your point home. Sure, you could hit them with cold, hard facts (and you should), but nothing beats a good anecdote to make a point. 

Like the time your friend was kicked out of his apartment just for being gay, and how that experience made you realize the importance of anti-discrimination laws.

Social Proof

Now, let's talk about social proof. You know, that thing where people are more likely to believe something if a bunch of others already do? Yeah, that's a powerful tool in your persuasion arsenal. 

So, when you're trying to convince your pro-gay family members to reconsider their conservative Republican votes, don't be afraid to remind them that they're in the minority when it comes to LGBT support.

Take, for example, Jamal's brother. When presented with data showcasing the clear discrepancy between Republican and Democratic support for LGBT rights, even he might start to question his unwavering loyalty to the conservative cause. 

Remember, people, there's strength in numbers, and nothing screams "Maybe I should rethink my life choices" like realizing you're swimming against the tide.

Now that we've got the basics down, let's talk about how to apply these techniques to discussions with your pro-gay family members who just can't seem to grasp the disconnect between their support for conservative Republican candidates and the well-being of their LGBT loved ones. Oh, the irony!

Common Values

For starters, identify common values and goals. This isn't rocket science, folks. You're family, after all, and you're bound to share some core beliefs. Maybe you all believe in fairness and equality, or perhaps you all want a brighter future for the next generation. 

Whatever it is, find that common ground and use it as a starting point for your conversation. Remember, you're more likely to persuade someone when you're on the same team.

Now, let's talk about presenting well-researched and fact-based arguments. While you might be tempted to just shout, "You're wrong, and I'm right!" at your misguided family members, that's probably not going to win you any brownie points. 

Instead, arm yourself with data, polls, and studies that show the clear difference between Republican and Democratic stances on LGBT rights. Trust me, it's hard to argue with cold, hard facts, no matter how deep your head is buried in the sand.

But let's not forget about offering alternative voting options that align with their pro-gay values. Because, let's face it, nobody likes being told they're wrong without being given a solution. 

So, do your research and present them with candidates who genuinely support the LGBT community. You know, the ones who don't just pay lip service to equality but actually back it up with policy changes and voting records.

Now, you might be thinking, "But what about all those economic arguments for supporting conservative Republican candidates? 

Surely they have a point!" Well, sure, if you're willing to completely ignore the impact of those same economic policies on the LGBT community. You see, it's all about balancing social and economic priorities, and frankly, your family members need a wake-up call on this front.

And what about that tired argument that conservative Republicans have evolved on LGBT issues? Yeah, you can go ahead and file that one under "Nice try, but no cigar." 

Look, political rhetoric is one thing, but actual policy changes and voting patterns speak louder than words. So, the next time your pro-gay family members trot out this line, remind them of the importance of assessing the sincerity of political promises.

Finally, let's address the belief that voting for a single-issue candidate is short-sighted. You know what else is short-sighted? Ignoring the broader social and political context in which these candidates operate. 

By supporting conservative Republican candidates who claim to be pro-gay, your family members are effectively endorsing a whole host of policies that could have serious long-term consequences for the LGBT community.

MORE ON PERSUASION TECHNIQUES

Alright, get ready for a crash course in persuasion techniques that'll make your pro-gay family members rethink their support for conservative Republican candidates faster than you can say "fake news." Strap in and pay attention, because you're about to become a master of the art of changing minds.

Start with the "Yes" mentality:

This is a sneaky little trick that involves getting your family members to agree with you on small points before hitting them with the big one. Start by discussing something you both agree on, like the importance of equal rights for all. Once they're nodding along, gradually introduce the issues where your opinions diverge. It's harder to dismiss your argument outright when they've already agreed with you on some level.

Leverage the power of reciprocity:

The idea here is that people are more likely to do something for you if you've done something for them first. So, listen to their arguments and try to understand their perspective, even if it makes your blood boil. By showing respect and genuine interest in their opinion, you're more likely to get them to listen to what you have to say.

Use the consistency principle:

People like to be consistent with their past behavior and beliefs. Show your family members that their support for the LGBT community is inconsistent with their vote for conservative Republican candidates. 

Highlight specific examples of their past pro-LGBT actions or statements, and use these as a basis to argue that their current voting choices are contradictory.

Deploy the foot-in-the-door technique:

This technique involves asking someone to agree to a small request before asking for a larger one. For example, you could start by asking your family members to read an article about a conservative Republican's anti-LGBT voting record. Once they've done that, ask them to consider how this information might impact their voting choices. The idea is to get them to take small steps toward questioning their support for these candidates.

Harness the power of social norms:

People are influenced by the behavior of those around them, so use this to your advantage. Share stories of others in your social circle or community who have changed their views or voting preferences after learning about the negative impact of conservative Republican policies on the LGBT community. This can help normalize the idea of reevaluating one's political beliefs.

Use the scarcity principle:

Create a sense of urgency by emphasizing the potential consequences of continued support for conservative Republican candidates. Explain how their anti-LGBT policies could lead to a rollback of hard-won rights and protections, making it crucial to vote for candidates who genuinely support the LGBT community now, rather than waiting for things to get worse.

Appeal to authority:

Cite reputable sources, experts, or influential figures who have spoken out against conservative Republican candidates and their policies. This can help lend credibility to your argument and make it more persuasive. Just make sure to choose sources that your family members are likely to respect and trust.

Engage in active listening:

Pay attention to your family members' concerns and opinions, and respond thoughtfully. This demonstrates that you respect their views and are willing to engage in a genuine dialogue, rather than just lecturing them on why they're wrong. By making them feel heard and valued, you're more likely to open their minds to alternative viewpoints.

Be confident and assertive:

When presenting your arguments, do so with conviction and confidence. This doesn't mean you should be aggressive or confrontational – just make it clear that you believe in what you're saying and that you've done your homework. Confidence can be contagious, and if you present your case with authority, your family members may be more likely to take it seriously.

Know when to back off:

Finally, remember that you can't win every battle. If your family members are digging in their heels and refusing to budge, it might be best to step back and let the conversation cool down. 

Sometimes, people need time to process new information and mull things over before they're ready to change their minds. Pushing too hard could have the opposite effect and make them even more resistant to your arguments.

Use analogies and metaphors:

Help your family members understand complex concepts or see things from a different perspective by using analogies and metaphors. 

This can make your arguments more relatable and easier to grasp. For example, you could compare voting for a candidate based on a single issue to buying a car just because it has a nice paint job, while ignoring its poor performance and safety features.

Practice the Socratic method:

Instead of bombarding your family members with facts and figures, engage them in a dialogue by asking open-ended questions that encourage reflection and critical thinking. 

This can lead them to question their own beliefs and assumptions, and ultimately, arrive at their own conclusions. Just remember to keep the tone respectful and non-confrontational.

Emphasize the long-term consequences:

When discussing the impact of conservative Republican policies on the LGBT community, don't just focus on the immediate effects. Explain how these policies could have far-reaching and long-lasting consequences, such as undermining the progress that has been made on LGBT rights or contributing to a more divisive and discriminatory society.

Appeal to their emotions:

While logic and reason are essential components of a persuasive argument, don't underestimate the power of emotions. Share personal stories and experiences that illustrate the real-life impact of conservative Republican policies on the LGBT community. 

This can help your family members empathize with those who are directly affected by these policies and make the issue feel more urgent and personal.

Find common ground on related issues:

If your family members are resistant to changing their views on conservative Republican candidates, try finding common ground on related issues. For example, you could discuss the importance of access to affordable healthcare, which is an issue that impacts both the LGBT community and the general population. 

By showing that you share some of their concerns, you can build rapport and make them more receptive to your arguments on other issues.

Be patient and persistent:

Changing someone's mind, especially on deeply ingrained beliefs, is rarely an overnight process. It may take multiple conversations and a lot of patience to see any progress. Stay persistent and continue presenting well-reasoned arguments, and over time, you might see your family members start to reconsider their support for conservative Republican candidates.

Model the behavior you want to see:

Finally, remember that actions speak louder than words. If you want your family members to be open-minded and willing to consider alternative viewpoints, make sure you're modeling that behavior yourself. 

Be open to their perspectives, listen carefully to their arguments, and be willing to revise your own opinions when presented with compelling evidence.

By incorporating these persuasion techniques into your conversations with pro-gay family members who support conservative Republican candidates, you'll be better equipped to help them see the disconnect between their political choices and their commitment to LGBT rights. 

It may not be easy, and it may not happen overnight, but with patience, persistence, and a whole lot of snarky humor, you just might be able to change their minds for the better.