Bullshit. One of my most eye-opening experiences was traveling with a delegation of labor and community activists in Kentucky, and listening to a local UMW leader tell the crowd how one of the "top struggles" in the state was "fighting for gay rights." Complete with that charming mountain lilt (he was no carpetbagger).
He was brought to that position because some organizer or group (most likely Kentuckians For The Commonwealth, an excellent community organizing group) took the time to explain how this struggle was his struggle. Avoiding the issues, on the other hand, by necessity will lead to reactionary politics in the hinterland. How do you expect people to be progressive when you never talk to them about progressive issues? Or do you not want them to be progressive?