“There are a lot of issues open-minded individuals can agree on,” says Ron Turner, 41. He’ll be testing that conviction as the new executive director for the Liberty Education Forum, founded by a national gay Republican group and aimed at educating conservatives about issues affecting gays and lesbians. For example, Turner will be promoting LEF’s scientific research, which indicates that homosexuality is not a choice. He’ll be based in Sarasota, but the position makes him a national spokesperson on issues like gay marriage. Turner says he is “ blessed by this opportunity to give back to my fellow gay and lesbian Americans.”