Story highlights Republican Party's platform is against same-sex marriage

Log Cabin Republicans invited to take part in convention for first time

Some GOP groups that support LGBT community emphasize other issues

A man hurrying to catch the light at a corner in muggy downtown Tampa carries a book with a rainbow of color on its cover.

Its title stands out, especially here, where the Republican National Convention has officially accepted a platform that a New York Times editorial called "more aggressive in its opposition to women's reproductive rights and to gay rights than any in memory."

The book is "A Fundamental Freedom: Why Republicans, Conservatives, and Libertarians Should Support Gay Rights."

Ted McCormac is a precinct committee person for the GOP in Bradenton, Florida, and the father of a gay son. He picked up the book at a brunch co-hosted by the Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry and the Log Cabin Republicans -- two of a small number of visible LGBT-supportive Republican groups at this year's convention.

Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Confetti remains on the floor of the Republican National Convention after presidential nominee Mitt Romney delivered his acceptance speech on Thusday, August 30. Photographer Zoran Milich wandered around Tampa this week during the convention. Look back at his view of the action. Hide Caption 1 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – A reflection of the National Debt Clock is seen as Mitt Romney speaks on the last night of the convention. Hide Caption 2 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Balloons and confetti drop after Romney's speech. Hide Caption 3 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – A Mitt Romney cutout rides in the front seat of a van advertising a "nude lounge" during the Republican National Convention on Thursday. Hide Caption 4 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Texas delegate Read King kisses his son Benjamin on Thursday. Hide Caption 5 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Californian Kaden Tollestrup, great-nephew of Mitt Romney, strikes a pose for his family on the floor of the convention. Hide Caption 6 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – DeLeon Sheffield photographs balloons set to fall from the roof during Thursday night's closing performance with her ensemble with BeBe Winans. Hide Caption 7 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – A worker cleans the convention hall on Thursday, the morning after Paul Ryan's speech. Hide Caption 8 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – The debt clock is on display in the convention hall. Hide Caption 9 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – A sign marking the Ohio delegation sits on empty seats on the floor of the convention hall. Hide Caption 10 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty's speech at the convention is televised at a pizza bar in Tampa's Ybor City district on Wednesday, August 29. Hide Caption 11 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – People try on hats at Riverside Park in Tampa on Wednesday, August 29. Hide Caption 12 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – A protester sits in his car in Ybor City. During a summer road trip, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney once put his family dog in a cage and perched it atop the family car. Hide Caption 13 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Alfred Moreno rolls a cigar in Ybor City, a historic neighborhood in Tampa known for its nightlife. Hide Caption 14 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – A Romney cutout is wrapped with the American flag on the floor of the convention. Hide Caption 15 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Romney cookies are sold outside the convention center where protesters are gathered. Hide Caption 16 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – A new sign is brought in to be set up in the convention center. Hide Caption 17 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – A phone labeled "Moscow" sits in the press center at the Republican National Convention. Hide Caption 18 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Texas delegates sit on the floor of the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, August 28. Hide Caption 19 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – A Mitt Romney supporter rests her feet after a long day at the Republican National Convention. Hide Caption 20 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – California delegate Don Genhart shows off his American flag cowboy boots. Hide Caption 21 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Lighters are confiscated during security checks at the Republican National Convention. They can be reclaimed upon exiting. Hide Caption 22 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Washington state delegates Trin Wilbur and Jeff McMorris dance on the convention floor. Hide Caption 23 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Jaclyn Tupek wears a Lady Liberty hat at a Ron Paul gathering a few blocks from the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Hide Caption 24 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Ron Paul supporters hold hands at a rally for the only challenger to Mitt Romney who has not conceded. Hide Caption 25 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Mitt Romney's motorcade arrives in Tampa as the Republican National Convention gets under way. Hide Caption 26 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – A painting of former President Ronald Reagan sits in a hallway at the Embassy Suites in Tampa, where many Republicans are staying during the convention. Hide Caption 27 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie casts a shadow on a Romney/Ryan campaign sign while speaking to delegates from Michigan. Christie will deliver the convention's keynote address Tuesday night. Hide Caption 28 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Tampa security forces line up to block a small group of demonstrators on Monday, August 27. Hide Caption 29 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Texas delegates Jason Kute and Stephanie Traska hang on to their hats in the windy Florida city. Hide Caption 30 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Riot police walk through the rainy streets of Tampa on Monday. Hide Caption 31 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – A shirtless protester stands in the rain in front of a police line. Hide Caption 32 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – One of many message-covered vehicles drives through the streets of Tampa. Hide Caption 33 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Images of Romney appear on the podium Monday at the gavel opening of the RNC. Hide Caption 34 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Actor and active Republican Jon Voight arrives at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Monday. Hide Caption 35 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – An electrician at the Tampa Bay Times Forum fixes a light as a limo driver awaits Republican delegates. Hide Caption 36 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Republicans attend the gavel opening Monday. The full proceedings of the first day were canceled because of Tropical Storm Isaac. Hide Caption 37 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Republican Allen Johnson of Texas watches the gavel opening. The seven-minute session went into recess until Tuesday. Hide Caption 38 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – A billboard opposing Mitt Romney stands among palm trees Monday. Hide Caption 39 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain, left, with support from his assistant, signs a photograph of himself for political fan Kieth Klickna. Hide Caption 40 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Hand puppets of Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul are for sale in Tampa. Hide Caption 41 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Christine Gill from Alaska poses for a picture at a party Sunday, August 26, at Tampa's Tropicana Field. Hide Caption 42 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Convention-goers gather at Tropicana Field for a convention opening party Sunday night. Hide Caption 43 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Larry Mazza of the local carpenters union cleans up wood chips at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Hide Caption 44 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Mark Anthoney sells buttons for Mitt Romney supporters on Sunday, August 26. Hide Caption 45 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – A T-shirt bashing President Barack Obama and the Democratic Party mimics the logo of "The Sopranos," a television series revolving around a fictional Mafia family. Hide Caption 46 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – The teleprompter is tested Sunday at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Hide Caption 47 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Storm clouds brew Saturday over the Lightning statue in Tampa. As Tropical Storm Isaac (now a hurricane) drew closer, officials decided to push back Monday's scheduled start of the RNC by one day. The storm took a westward path, however. Hide Caption 48 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Mounted police horses from across Florida gear up for the convention. Hide Caption 49 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – A pro-Ron Paul Corvette cruises the streets of Tampa. Hide Caption 50 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – A Great Dane, Dora, is held back as she jumps for the table during a Dogs Against Romney protest on Sunday. Hide Caption 51 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Young men visiting the convention center run in the rain. Hide Caption 52 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – A chalk message is left by protesters a few blocks from the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Hide Caption 53 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – House band leader G.E. Smith arrives at the convention center Saturday with a pair of guitars. Hide Caption 54 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Conversion tech Kevin Losier carries a recycling bin shaped like a bottle of Coke. Hide Caption 55 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – As Tropical Storm Isaac loomed on Saturday, laborers awaited a decision on whether to tear down tents or continue building them. Hide Caption 56 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Motorcyclists roll into Tampa on Saturday. Hide Caption 57 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Brett Burge removes the vision block on a fence Saturday because of the threat of Tropical Storm Isaac. Hide Caption 58 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – Pro-Democratic Party advertisements move through Tampa ahead of the Republican National Convention. Hide Caption 59 of 60 Photos: Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa Unconventional: Postcards from Tampa – The Original Hooters restaurant welcomes the RNC. Hide Caption 60 of 60

Individual members of the Log Cabin Republicans have attended previous conventions, but this year marks a first for the group: It was invited by the Republican National Convention committee to participate in the convention itself. In addition, there are many high-profile, gay-themed events this year, including the brunch McCormac attended. "I've never been to an event of theirs, but people clearly went out of their way to be nice to me," McCormac said, with a catch in his voice. "It means so much since I'm kind of new at this."

Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Presidential candidate Mitt Romney delivers his acceptance speech on the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Thursday, August 30. See the best photos from the Democratic National Convention. Hide Caption 1 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Attendees celebrate as confetti and balloons drop after Romney's speech. Hide Caption 2 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Romney and vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan take the stage with their families at the end of the night. Hide Caption 3 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – People bow their heads for the benediction to wrap up the GOP convention. Hide Caption 4 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Romney and Ryan wave to the audience after Romney's speech, which described a future of opportunity and promise for the nation. Hide Caption 5 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Romney greets supporters as he enters the arena Thursday. Hide Caption 6 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Florida Sen. Marco Rubio introduces Romney after his speech. Hide Caption 7 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Delegates wave signs on the final day of the RNC. Hide Caption 8 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Actor Clint Eastwood speaks as a surprise guest. Hide Caption 9 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Mitt Romney's wife, Ann, and son Josh sit in the VIP box. Hide Caption 10 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush speaks on stage. Hide Caption 11 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – A man holds an American flag in the audience. Hide Caption 12 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Pam Finlayson speaks during the convention. Hide Caption 13 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Jane Edmonds, the former Massachusetts secretary of workforce, delivers remarks. Hide Caption 14 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Olympians and gold medalists Michael Eruzione, Derek Parra and Kim Rhode stand on stage at the convention. Hide Caption 15 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – A woman clasps her hands during the program. Hide Caption 16 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and his wife, Callista, speak during a tribute to former president Ronald Reagan on Thursday. Hide Caption 17 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Callista and Newt Gingrich take the stage during the final day of the Republican National Convention. Hide Caption 18 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Delegates listen to the national anthem at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Hide Caption 19 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Texas Gov. Rick Perry applauds during the final day of the convention. Hide Caption 20 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, R-Florida, speaks on stage during the final day. Hide Caption 21 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Law enforcement officials work to free protesters with Earth First, who had connected themselves to each other in front of the Big Bend TECO Power Station in Apollo Beach, Florida. Substantially fewer protesters took to the downtown Tampa streets Thursday. Hide Caption 22 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – GOP vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan addresses the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night. Hide Caption 23 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Paul Ryan's wife, Janna, is flanked by her sons Charlie, left, and Sam during Ryan's keynote address Wednesday night. Hide Caption 24 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – A woman grasps her hands during speeches on the third day of the GOP convention. Hide Caption 25 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Paul Ryan and his wife and children exit the stage after the biggest speech of his political career. Hide Caption 26 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speaks at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Wednesday. She accused President Barack Obama of yielding the nation's leadership role in the world. Hide Caption 27 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – George Engelbach, dressed as President Abraham Lincoln, attends the GOP convention. Hide Caption 28 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Mike Huckabee, a Republican candidate in the 2008 presidential primaries, backs his one-time rival Mitt Romney. Hide Caption 29 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – A woman snaps an image with her iPhone during Wednesday night's events. Hide Caption 30 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty takes the convention stage. Hide Caption 31 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Delegate Carlos Mendez of Puerto Rico watches Wednesday night's program. Hide Caption 32 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez delivers remarks. Her speech emphasized her belief in the American Dream. Hide Caption 33 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Delegate Crystal Berg of Hartford, Wisconsin, cries while watching the George H.W. Bush tribute Wednesday night. Hide Caption 34 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Arizona Sen. John McCain, who was the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, speaks to the audience. Hide Caption 35 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – As Sen. John McCain speaks, some audience members display happy birthday posters. Hide Caption 36 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Sen. John McCain, who was a POW during the Vietnam War, addresses the crowd. Hide Caption 37 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention. Hide Caption 38 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Col.Oscar Poole of Georgia puts his arm around Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. Hide Caption 39 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention. His father, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, was one of the hopefuls for the 2012 nomination. Hide Caption 40 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Former President George W. Bush is shown on the giant screens at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Hide Caption 41 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – A woman gestures during the third day of the Republican National Convention. Hide Caption 42 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Rosemary Edwards of Austin, Texas, kisses the face of Texas Gov. Rick Perry. Hide Caption 43 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Sen. John Thune of South Dakota speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention. Hide Caption 44 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – A woman holds a campaign sign. Hide Caption 45 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio speaks at the podium. Hide Caption 46 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Delegates from Maine and supporters of Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul chant "As Maine goes, so goes the nation" after they staged a walkout at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Hide Caption 47 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Paul Ryan speaks during a soundcheck Wednesday. Hide Caption 48 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Ryan waves with daughter, Liza Ryan, and sons, Charlie Ryan, right, and Sam Ryan from the stage during a soundcheck. Hide Caption 49 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney exits a vehicle before boarding his campaign plane. As the Republican National Convention continues, Romney will travel to Indianapolis to address the American Legion. Hide Caption 50 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Laura Bowman accepts Bradley Thompson's proposal on the stage. Thompson is a production manager and Bowman is a production coordinator for the convention. Hide Caption 51 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Arizona Sen. John McCain walks the floor. Hide Caption 52 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Bradley Thompson kneels down to propose to Laura Bowman, who accepted, on the stage. Hide Caption 53 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Journalists and media work the third day of the Republican National Convention. Hide Caption 54 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Ryan gives the thumbs-up during a sound check at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Hide Caption 55 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Ann Romney, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's wife, greets a crowd of supporters on Tuesday. Hide Caption 56 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Mitt Romney joins his wife on stage shortly after she addressed the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Tuesday, August 28. Hide Caption 57 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie delivers the keynote address to wrap up the first full night of the convention. Hide Caption 58 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney sits between his wife, Ann, and former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during Gov. Chris Christie's speech. Hide Caption 59 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Concluding the first night of speech, Chris Christie declared Republicans were willing to face the tough issues and find solutions that work. Hide Caption 60 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Delegates watch Gov. Chris Christie deliver the keynote address. Hide Caption 61 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – A delegate snaps a photograph of Chris Christie just before his speech. Hide Caption 62 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – As the crowd cheers, Mitt Romney embraces his wife, Ann, on stage during the convention. Hide Caption 63 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – An excerpt from Ann Romney's speech is displayed on a teleprompter Tuesday. She repeatedly referred to her first date with Mitt Romney in urging Americans to trust him to fix the nation's problems. Hide Caption 64 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – A veteran claps during Ann Romney's speech. Hide Caption 65 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Ann Romney addresses the crowd in the biggest political speech of her life. She concluded by declaring "you can trust Mitt." Hide Caption 66 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Former Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum addresses the crowd Tuesday. Hide Caption 67 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Leslie Jones of Virginia Beach, Virginia, wears a hat with tea bags attached. Hide Caption 68 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Ohio Gov. John Kasich waves as he takes the stage. Hide Caption 69 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich walks the floor. Hide Caption 70 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – American pop opera singer Neal E. Boyd performs at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Hide Caption 71 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – American country and gospel vocal quartet Oak Ridge Boys perform. Hide Caption 72 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz, who is running for the U.S. Senate, speaks. Hide Caption 73 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley waves on stage. Hide Caption 74 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Former U.S. Rep. Artur Davis speaks. He changed his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican earlier this year. Hide Caption 75 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Delegates crowd the floor after the tallying of votes during the roll call for nomination of president of the United States at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Hide Caption 76 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Delegates display signs in support of Mitt Romney after the tallying of votes during the roll call for nomination of president of the United States. Hide Caption 77 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Scott Romney, brother of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, cheers during the roll call. Hide Caption 78 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – People cheer as the screen displays "Over The Top" during the roll call of delegates. Hide Caption 79 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Supporters flash posters supporting Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Hide Caption 80 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – People hold signs that say "Mitt!" as U.S. Speaker of the House Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, speaks. Hide Caption 81 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Delegates from host state Florida face photographers and cameras as they pose for the official convention photograph. Hide Caption 82 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – A delegate takes a picture of the floor at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Hide Caption 83 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Ann Romney, Republican presidential candidate former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's wife, stands onstage with stage manager Howard Kolins during a soundcheck. Hide Caption 84 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – People from the Texas delegation say the Pledge of Allegiance. Hide Caption 85 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – A delegate from Wisconsin sports a cheese hat at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Hide Caption 86 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Ann Romney leans on a seat aboard the campaign plane en route to Tampa. Hide Caption 87 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Karl Rove, former deputychief of staff and senior policy adviser to President George W. Bush, talks on a phone at the convention hall. Hide Caption 88 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Republican candidate Ron Paul waves to supporters at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Hide Caption 89 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – A woman cheers during the second day of the Republican National Convention. Hide Caption 90 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – A delegate checks out the convention floor before other delegates arrive at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Hide Caption 91 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – A convention attendee carries a bag with a Time magazine featuring Mitt Romney on the cover. Hide Caption 92 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – A participant walks the convention floor before the start of proceedings Tuesday. Organizers pushed events back a day because of concerns about Isaac. Hide Caption 93 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – The Republican National Convention officially began Monday, August 27, but the bulk of the action was delayed until Tuesday. Hide Caption 94 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – A woman captures the goings-on with her phone before the start of the shortened first day of the Republican National Convention. Hide Caption 95 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – The chairman of the Republican National Committee, Reince Priebus, convenes the convention with a bang of a gavel. Hide Caption 96 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Priebus raises the gavel as he convenes the Republican National Convention. Hide Caption 97 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Lynne David walks behind a group of law enforcement officers as they patrol the streets before the convention. Hide Caption 98 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie walks through the convention center before the start of the abbreviated first day. Hide Caption 99 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Last-minute adjustments are made to the main stage at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on the abbreviated first day of the GOP convention. Hide Caption 100 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – An elephant logo is featured on the side of a tent outside of the Republican National Convention at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Hide Caption 101 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Two convention-goers wear plastic bags as shelter from the rain caused by Tropical Storm Isaac. Hide Caption 102 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – A man reads a newspaper in the empty seats of the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Hide Caption 103 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Former New Hampshire Gov. John Sununu, left, stands at the podium with stage manager Howard Kolins before events begin Monday. Hide Caption 104 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Men wearing cowboy hats stand on the arena floor before the start of the abbreviated first day. Hide Caption 105 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Convention staff hang a Romney-Ryan sign at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Sunday, August 26, in preparation for the Republican National Convention. Hide Caption 106 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – A tribute to NASA astronaut Neil Armstrong, who died Saturday, August 25, is displayed at the GOP convention as preparations continue. Hide Caption 107 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Donald Trump, who accepted the Statesman of the Year Award from the Sarasota County Republican Party, answers questions in Sarasota, Florida. Hide Caption 108 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – A microphone is in place at the front of the convention hall in Tampa. Hide Caption 109 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Former Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul speaks in the Sun Dome at the University of South Florida in Tampa on Sunday. Hide Caption 110 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Activists hold signs mocking President Barack Obama at the Tea Party Unity Rally at The River at Tampa Bay Church. Hide Caption 111 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Police officers question protesters carrying an effigy of Republican Party presidential candidate Mitt Romney during a demonstration in downtown Tampa. Hide Caption 112 of 113 Photos: Republican convention: The best photos Republican convention: The best photos – Rachel Bolch Thach tries to shelter herself from the rain in Tampa. Tropical Storm Isaac is expected to bring rain and wind to the area and has caused convention officials to delay the start of the convention until Tuesday. Hide Caption 113 of 113

In fact, Sarah Longwell, a Log Cabin board member and one of the speakers at the brunch, began her speech by talking about McCormac. She said she teared up when she met McCormac there and he told her how proud he and his wife are of their son, Tony.

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Tony McCormac is getting married to Jeff Cook, who was also there working on behalf of American Unity, a political action committee that supports Republican candidates who are gay friendly. Cook is so involved in Republican politics that they've scheduled their ceremony In New York after the November election.

"That's what this is all about -- events where we can talk to Republicans about why marriage matters for our community, conservative to conservative," Longwell said.

Longwell's own engagement is so new she still stumbles a little when she describes Karen Bencala as her "fiancee." But her message about why conservatives should back same-sex marriage comes through loud and clear. She shared it Wednesday with all the Republicans gathered for the convention in the form of a full-page ad in the Tampa Tribune, paid for by the Log Cabin and Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry.

The ad shows several photos of same-sex couples smiling under a quote from Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, a Christian right think tank that is far from gay friendly. In his argument that successfully added anti-same sex marriage language to the party's platform, Perkins said, "The institution of marriage is the foundation of civil society. Its success as an institution will determine our success as a nation."

Longwell's ad goes on to say the LGBT Republican groups agree with Perkins, which is why the government should stop denying marriage licenses to gay couples. "The freedom to marry is directly in line with the core ideals and principles of the Republican Party -- less government, more individual freedom, personal responsibility and the importance of freedom," it argues.

"What I want to ask Tony Perkins if I see him here is, 'If you believe marriage is the very foundation of society, why would you deny us this right?' " Longwell said. "I honestly believe it's cruel to deny us this. If you believe we are real people, that is."

As she finishes speaking, Longwell recognizes a man from the Family Research Council riding an escalator into the carefully secured convention center and wonders whether she could catch up with him.

Until this year, Longwell may not have had the credentials to follow him into those secured areas, at least not as a Log Cabin Republican. One of the Log Cabin's former directors says this is the first year the RNC has credentialed the group and saved rooms for its members in official hotel space.

Bob Kabel says the evolution of the roles that openly gay people play at the convention -- and in the party itself -- has been remarkable. Kabel was the chairman of the Log Cabin Republicans from 1993 to 1999. He went on to be elected the first openly gay person in the nation to chair a state Republican Party, in the District of Columbia. Early on, he says, he felt forced to stand up at a public meeting and shame the Republican National Convention chair into an official meeting with Log Cabin.

"The current RNC leadership has been much better. They've been great," Kabel said. "We feel so much more welcome, and the voices of the Tony Perkinses in the party will be drowned out as more young people come into the party. This is not a negative issue for young people in our party. And we are more visible than ever."

Proof of his statement was visible Tuesday at a GOProud dance party called "Homocon," where many young gay and straight convention danced in the shadow of buff go-go dancers wearing the LGBT group's "freedom is fabulous" T-shirts. At the door on the way out of the event, attendees received a convention collector's item -- a keychain with the GOProud logo.

Late into the evening, GOProud co-founder Jimmy LaSalvia hushed the dancing crowd for a moment. He described how proud he was that his was the first gay GOP group to endorse this Republican presidential ticket -- even if he personally disagreed with Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan's stance against same-sex marriage. To him, the gay community is so mainstream within the party that GOProud shouldn't solely be about gay issues.

"As most of you know, I support civil marriage for gay couples," LaSalvia said, which drew a smattering of supportive shouts from the crowd. "And marriage is important. But before you get married, you need a date. And everybody knows you can't get a date without a job."