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Long an outcast in their own party, Log Cabin Republicans, the nation's leading center-right LGBT advocacy group, is being welcomed by Team Trump, and Republicans as a result.

And with the bulk of bigger, better financed but liberal LGBT groups being held at arm's length because of their attacks on President Trump and Republicans, Log Cabin has suddenly become a main driver of key gay and transgender civil rights in Washington.

"It really does hold Log Cabin to be that choice for the entire LGBT community," said newly installed Chairman Sarah Longwell. "We're the only ones who are going to be making sure that Republicans get better every day on our issues," she added.

In just the past two months, Log Cabin officials have met with White House, Education Department, Pentagon, and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission officials to discuss civil rights issues, said Gregory T. Angelo, president of the group that turns 40 this year.

It is celebrating its anniversary with annual bash at the Trump International Hotel in Washington in September. Last year, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich was a headliner.

Recognizing its new influence, Log Cabin has added several political veterans to its board to expand its reach on Capitol Hill and the administration.

Angelo said the Trump Hotel fundraising dinner and expansion of GOP heavy hitters is "a way to show that we are more relevant than ever."

While liberal LGBT groups have been warning of coming a Trump anti-gay crackdown, Log Cabin has seen the opposite from the president, the first Republican ever to mention gay rights at his national nominating convention.

"At best, Trump is a quiet ally," Angelo said. "He's certainly a do no harm' guy," he added of Trump, the first ever Republican presidential nominee to promote gay rights at his nominating convention.

In his first few months, liberal LGBT advocacy groups gave Trump an 'F,' angered with some of his moves, such as withdrawing legal guidance for transgender students that was already tied up in courts. They also slammed some of his appointments and raised questions about immigration policies.

But the White House pleased some with his decision, urged by Log Cabin, to keep in place an executive order from former President Obama barring federal contractors from workplace discrimination. And new White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci is an outspoken LGTB and gay marriage advocate.

Angelo described several positive interactions with the administration and key agencies.

For example, Angelo said that the White House has been responsive to his calls and meeting requests. "It's night and day, no meeting has been denied," he said.

His group has also had meetings with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Longwell called the controversial secretary "incredibly open." Angelo has also met with U.S. officials at the United Nations and the Department of Health and Human Services. And even the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has reached out to Log Cabin.

The group meanwhile has moved to expand its reach and influence by installing connected Republicans on its board and boosting the number of women executives, including Rachel Hoff, who was the first openly gay delegate to serve on the Republican Platform Committee.

In announcing new members, Angelo said, "Fully 40 years since our founding and Log Cabin Republicans continues its growth and influence advocating for a stronger, more inclusive GOP. Our five newest Board members are no strangers to the fight for LGBT rights, and it is with great honor that our National Board of Directors welcomes them into the fold. We are thrilled to bring their many talents to bear as Log Cabin Republicans looks toward its next 40 years." They include:

Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner's "Washington Secrets" columnist, can be contacted at pbedard@washingtonexaminer.com

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Trump welcomes in Republican LGBT advocates - Washington Examiner