A few years ago, such a scene would have been unthinkable. But with an eye on the April 22 Pennsylvania Democratic primary, Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama are fervently courting the gay vote.
In Philadelphia, gays constitute an estimated 5 percent of voters, according to Malcolm Lazin, president of Equality Forum. That is not an inconsequential percentage in a race as tight as this one.
Obviously, the candidates know that, too.
"It's important for the coalition of people supporting [Obama] to be representative of America, and that proudly includes gays and lesbians," says Tobias Wolff, 38, chair of Obama's national gay policy committee and a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania.
The gay vote is equally significant to the Clinton campaign. "That's why we've been doing such a proactive outreach to the community," says Jin Chon, 30, a Clinton press secretary who focuses on gay issues. "She knows this is a very close election. Every vote matters."
For gay Philadelphians, Clinton-Obama is a win-win.
The candidates are so closely - and positively - aligned on key gay and lesbian issues, either would make a strong presidential nominee, say numerous members of the community.
Leading up to the primary, there doesn't appear to be a clear front-runner among gay voters in what is affectionately known as the City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love.
One feeling, however, is unanimous: It's a great year to be a gay Democrat.
"Whoever ends up being our nominee, and hopefully our president, will do amazing things for our community," says Rue Landau, cochair of the powerful Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club. "We are in a very lucky position."
Landau, 39, a lawyer and a new mother, is running as an Obama delegate in the First District "because I like his vision for the country." Liberty City last week endorsed Clinton.
