Phila.'s gay Democrats emerge as a voting force

Initially undecided, Felzer and Chirls say they are leaning strongly toward Obama. "I like the way he's motivating people, getting them excited about the system," Felzer says.

Jonathan Oriole, 32, a Clinton volunteer who works at a Center City law firm, says many gay men support her "because she's definitely a diva, which is like a goddess to us."

"Every time you knock her down, she gets back up and fights harder. She's strong, powerful, smart and poised, with a sophisticated attitude."

Regardless of who gets more votes April 22, the gay community will win.

"The conversation on gay rights has finally been elevated to a more important level in the Democratic candidates' policies," Liberty City's Landau says.

"They can't campaign without answering our questions and, so far, they have."

Local Appearance

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is scheduled to appear at an economic rally at 7:30 p.m. today at Keystone Industrial Port Complex, T3,

One Ben Fairless Drive, Fairless Hills.