LGBT Civil Rights and Activism

but how many of them are going to put themselves on the line for a principle, only to be primaried, and lose the seat to someone of the opposite party in the next general election?

Can you think of a reason other than political courage for them to do it? If not, how many Republicans do you expect to show such fortitude for a "liberal" cause? Frankly, running the numbers tells them that it's a losing proposition to do the right thing, even if they have gay and lesbian friends who they'd otherwise support. All they have to do is show those friends the facts, and it shuts them down with pursuing the issue any more.

How does that help us achieve equality?