street talk
Did the Sherrod flap alter your opinion of the Obama administration's commitment to minority rights?
2 days 2 hrs ago | 74 views | 0 
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Zachary Gray
canvasser
Washington Square West
"I never thought the administration was all that committed to minority rights. I'm very concerned about the limits it's placed on women's reproductive freedom. Somebody screwed up by firing Shirley Sherrod. But I'm reserving judgment as to the scope of the problem."
Russell Langley
musician
South Philadelphia
"It makes me a little wary of Obama. If you're going to fire somebody, you should look into it carefully before taking such drastic action. The administration drops just a notch in my estimation. But I don't blame Obama personally."
Anders Larson
student
South Philadelphia
"I don't question the sincerity of Obama's commitment to minority rights. But political expediency comes first with him. Most presidents would get rid of a person that's seen as politically damaging. This doesn't change my view of Obama or his administration."
Amy Miskovsky
nursing student
Washington Square West
"The president shouldn't rely on a media source, Fox News, that's not known to be impartial. It was surprising to me that Obama made such a poor and rash decision. But that doesn't necessarily reflect a lack of commitment to minority rights."
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Will Obama appeal the ruling overturning DOMA?
9 days ago | 189 views | 0 | 1 | |
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Theresa Jones
nurse
West Philadelphia
“No. I think Obama is a fair person. He has bigger fish to fry than to pick a fight with this ruling. There are so many bad things in the world: starvation, poor education, pedophiles. Why would he impose on individuals’ happiness?"
nurse
West Philadelphia
“No. I think Obama is a fair person. He has bigger fish to fry than to pick a fight with this ruling. There are so many bad things in the world: starvation, poor education, pedophiles. Why would he impose on individuals’ happiness?"
Crystal Peton
student
Bensalem
“I think he’ll leave the ruling alone. I get the impression he’s liberal enough to let this gay-rights victory stand. I can’t be more definite, because it’s still early in his administration and he hasn’t shown exactly where he stands.”
student
Bensalem
“I think he’ll leave the ruling alone. I get the impression he’s liberal enough to let this gay-rights victory stand. I can’t be more definite, because it’s still early in his administration and he hasn’t shown exactly where he stands.”
Joey Rosenwald
student
West Philadelphia
“He’ll probably let it happen the way it is. I don’t think Obama will go out of his way to interfere with the judge’s ruling. He’s been supportive on other gay issues. He has more integrity than most politicians, and realizes that marriage is a fundamental right for people.”
student
West Philadelphia
“He’ll probably let it happen the way it is. I don’t think Obama will go out of his way to interfere with the judge’s ruling. He’s been supportive on other gay issues. He has more integrity than most politicians, and realizes that marriage is a fundamental right for people.”
Tierney Standring
student
Portsmouth, N.H.
“No, I think he might take a risk. He hasn’t made many concrete advances so far. I hope he doesn’t try to take away from an advance already in place. This is something tangible he can hold on to. But as a president, he’ll also consider his re-election possibilities.”
student
Portsmouth, N.H.
“No, I think he might take a risk. He hasn’t made many concrete advances so far. I hope he doesn’t try to take away from an advance already in place. This is something tangible he can hold on to. But as a president, he’ll also consider his re-election possibilities.”
Would a boycott of Hawaii help bring about civil unions?
16 days ago | 323 views | 0 | 1 | |
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Michael Anticoli
server
South Philadelphia
“No, it would be a waste of time. People wouldn’t pay attention, with everything else going on in the world. It wouldn’t get much publicity. Also, the oil spill limits our options for a vacation. Hawaii is still a viable option.”
server
South Philadelphia
“No, it would be a waste of time. People wouldn’t pay attention, with everything else going on in the world. It wouldn’t get much publicity. Also, the oil spill limits our options for a vacation. Hawaii is still a viable option.”
Ellie Ruttenberg
student
Rittenhouse Square
“No. It’s a little far-fetched, and seems retaliatory — not very productive. I think it’s unfortunate, definitely, that civil unions were vetoed by the governor in Hawaii. I just hope there’s a more productive way to make civil unions possible.”
student
Rittenhouse Square
“No. It’s a little far-fetched, and seems retaliatory — not very productive. I think it’s unfortunate, definitely, that civil unions were vetoed by the governor in Hawaii. I just hope there’s a more productive way to make civil unions possible.”
Jesse James
dancer
Asheville, N.C.
“No. While I understand the desire for a boycott, I question its effectiveness. A boycott would have an adverse affect on the queer community in Hawaii. My focus would be on protecting the queer community. A boycott has the potential of alienating that community, and hurting their livelihood.”
dancer
Asheville, N.C.
“No. While I understand the desire for a boycott, I question its effectiveness. A boycott would have an adverse affect on the queer community in Hawaii. My focus would be on protecting the queer community. A boycott has the potential of alienating that community, and hurting their livelihood.”
Benjamin Williams
yoga instructor
Asheville, N.C.
“No. There’s a lot of wonderful things about Hawaii, wonderful people. It’s one of the coolest states, in my opinion. The governor’s actions don’t reflect the views of the population as a whole. Don’t punish the state for the actions of one person.”>/i>
yoga instructor
Asheville, N.C.
“No. There’s a lot of wonderful things about Hawaii, wonderful people. It’s one of the coolest states, in my opinion. The governor’s actions don’t reflect the views of the population as a whole. Don’t punish the state for the actions of one person.”>/i>
Should minority rights be subject to voter referendum?
23 days ago | 262 views | 0 | 0 | |
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Maurice Gooding
furniture installer
Southwest Philadelphia
“Yes. I do support voters’ rights, and government of the people. I just don’t like it when gay rights are trampled on. But that’s the way it is. The harder we push, the harder the right wing will push back. We have to learn to live with it.”
furniture installer
Southwest Philadelphia
“Yes. I do support voters’ rights, and government of the people. I just don’t like it when gay rights are trampled on. But that’s the way it is. The harder we push, the harder the right wing will push back. We have to learn to live with it.”
Halimah Marcus
grant writer
West Philadelphia
“Yes and no. I’m interested in opportunities for direct democracy. If the popular vote decided the outcome of the 2000 election, we wouldn’t have gotten stuck with George W. Bush. But the utopia idea of direct democracy is a false promise when the majority is often better organized and funded.”
grant writer
West Philadelphia
“Yes and no. I’m interested in opportunities for direct democracy. If the popular vote decided the outcome of the 2000 election, we wouldn’t have gotten stuck with George W. Bush. But the utopia idea of direct democracy is a false promise when the majority is often better organized and funded.”
Nathan Wilson
artist
West Philadelphia
“Not when it comes to civil rights. Elected officials should be making these decisions rather than individuals. We elect politicians to interpret the laws, so let them do their jobs. Also, there can be a lot of obstacles placed in the voting process that skew the results.”
artist
West Philadelphia
“Not when it comes to civil rights. Elected officials should be making these decisions rather than individuals. We elect politicians to interpret the laws, so let them do their jobs. Also, there can be a lot of obstacles placed in the voting process that skew the results.”
Jason Olevski
construction worker
South Philadelphia
“No. I don’t trust the majority to act in an unbiased way when it comes to minority rights. There’s too much temptation in the privacy of a voting both to let your prejudices kick in. That invalidates the system.”
construction worker
South Philadelphia
“No. I don’t trust the majority to act in an unbiased way when it comes to minority rights. There’s too much temptation in the privacy of a voting both to let your prejudices kick in. That invalidates the system.”
Who is the biggest impediment to LGBT rights?
1 month ago | 892 views | 2 | 2 | |
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Rose Koslosky
student
Manayunk
“Sarah Palin. She’s a very visible woman who opposes same-sex marriage. I consider her to be a political puppet of the right wing. For the most part, she doesn’t know what she’s talking about. I just wish she’d open up to the LGBT people, because her policies are affecting them.”
student
Manayunk
“Sarah Palin. She’s a very visible woman who opposes same-sex marriage. I consider her to be a political puppet of the right wing. For the most part, she doesn’t know what she’s talking about. I just wish she’d open up to the LGBT people, because her policies are affecting them.”
Patricia Morency
customer-service representative
Washington Square West
“The Rev. Fred Phelps. His hate for gay people knows no bounds. He terrorizes vulnerable members of the LGBT community, which hampers their ability to be active in the movement. I just wish he would find something better to do with his gifts.”
customer-service representative
Washington Square West
“The Rev. Fred Phelps. His hate for gay people knows no bounds. He terrorizes vulnerable members of the LGBT community, which hampers their ability to be active in the movement. I just wish he would find something better to do with his gifts.”
Kurt Stamm
artistic director
New York City
“Ann Coulter. She spews negative energy about the LGBT community that, unfortunately, many people buy into. She always puts us in the worst light possible. She’s an extreme example of antigay rhetoric that I don’t need to hear.”
artistic director
New York City
“Ann Coulter. She spews negative energy about the LGBT community that, unfortunately, many people buy into. She always puts us in the worst light possible. She’s an extreme example of antigay rhetoric that I don’t need to hear.”
Lawrence Pemberton
student
Washington Square West
“Bill O’Reilly. He’s a hatemonger. He bullies people, including gay people. There’s got to be something better for the airwaves than him talking shit. He uses hype, and counts on people’s ignorance to get them on his side.”
student
Washington Square West
“Bill O’Reilly. He’s a hatemonger. He bullies people, including gay people. There’s got to be something better for the airwaves than him talking shit. He uses hype, and counts on people’s ignorance to get them on his side.”
comments (2)
« John L wrote on Tuesday, Jul 06 at 02:54 PM »
Alan I agree. Hospitality is a thing of the past.
Alan
I am so surprised to see your name. You may remember me from about 30 years ago. A college kid from Scranton you met at Gatsby's. I would love to get in touch
Alan
I am so surprised to see your name. You may remember me from about 30 years ago. A college kid from Scranton you met at Gatsby's. I would love to get in touch
« Alan Spezzano wrote on Friday, Jul 02 at 05:07 PM »
Goodbye Woody's
As it is I find it insulting the city charges $3.00 for 2 hours of parking, recently I had lunch at a bar called Woody's. I asked the bartender (no Neck) for some quarters for the meter. His response to me was they only deal in dollars and to go to the restaurant "they may have quarters" "aren't you parked at a kiosk" I abruptly left never to waste my money their again. Stick to the Venture Inn where hospitality is the best.
As it is I find it insulting the city charges $3.00 for 2 hours of parking, recently I had lunch at a bar called Woody's. I asked the bartender (no Neck) for some quarters for the meter. His response to me was they only deal in dollars and to go to the restaurant "they may have quarters" "aren't you parked at a kiosk" I abruptly left never to waste my money their again. Stick to the Venture Inn where hospitality is the best.
What's your ideal summer getaway?
1 month ago | 394 views | 0 | 1 | |
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![<b>Tonya Bridges</b><br>
<i>job coach<br>
Mt. Airy<br>
“Bermuda. I’m craving the beach, the clear blue ocean. Philly is getting on my nerves. I’ve been praying I’ll get to Bermuda before the [Gulf Coast] oil spill does. The news has been awful. It’s very upsetting.”</b>](http://matchbin-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/public/sites/357/assets/Bridges__Tonya_byTimothyCwi.jpg "<b>Tonya Bridges</b><br>
<i>job coach<br>
Mt. Airy<br>
“Bermuda. I’m craving the beach, the clear blue ocean. Philly is getting on my nerves. I’ve been praying I’ll get to Bermuda before the [Gulf Coast] oil spill does. The news has been awful. It’s very upsetting.”</b>")
Tonya Bridges
job coach
Mt. Airy
“Bermuda. I’m craving the beach, the clear blue ocean. Philly is getting on my nerves. I’ve been praying I’ll get to Bermuda before the [Gulf Coast] oil spill does. The news has been awful. It’s very upsetting.”
job coach
Mt. Airy
“Bermuda. I’m craving the beach, the clear blue ocean. Philly is getting on my nerves. I’ve been praying I’ll get to Bermuda before the [Gulf Coast] oil spill does. The news has been awful. It’s very upsetting.”
Erin Kuhls
advertising executive
Northern Liberties
“Tuscany, Italy. The wine, food and scenery are spectacular. Second choice would be England. It has so much history: The country is much older than ours. And they speak English, so you can avoid the language barrier. That’s a definite benefit.”
advertising executive
Northern Liberties
“Tuscany, Italy. The wine, food and scenery are spectacular. Second choice would be England. It has so much history: The country is much older than ours. And they speak English, so you can avoid the language barrier. That’s a definite benefit.”
Clint Shultz
store clerk
Washington Square West
“San Diego. I like the beach-bum attitude that’s prevalent there. It’s a very relaxing atmosphere. The people aren’t uptight. And the weather is great — always in the 60s, sunny, with low humidity.”
store clerk
Washington Square West
“San Diego. I like the beach-bum attitude that’s prevalent there. It’s a very relaxing atmosphere. The people aren’t uptight. And the weather is great — always in the 60s, sunny, with low humidity.”
Robin Friend Stift
actor
Center City
“Greece. All of modern culture originated in Greece. So, naturally, I have a curiosity to experience the area. And I’d enjoy sailing the Mediterranean. Also, I’m an actor. Greece is where theater started. So I’d like to visit the Dionysian theater, where it all began.”
actor
Center City
“Greece. All of modern culture originated in Greece. So, naturally, I have a curiosity to experience the area. And I’d enjoy sailing the Mediterranean. Also, I’m an actor. Greece is where theater started. So I’d like to visit the Dionysian theater, where it all began.”
Have you been educated adequately about HIV/AIDS?
2 months ago | 273 views | 0 | 1 | |
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Marc Caglia
casting director
Orlando, Fla.
“No. Why is there no vaccine to prevent it, and no cure after you acquire it? I’d like to see more public education to inform people about any advances or break-throughs taking place.”
casting director
Orlando, Fla.
“No. Why is there no vaccine to prevent it, and no cure after you acquire it? I’d like to see more public education to inform people about any advances or break-throughs taking place.”
Keith Smith
human-resources manager
Orlando, Fla.
“No. I have questions about the medications we hear about. Are they effective? I’d appreciate updates on the subject. You hear a lot about breast-cancer awareness, but nothing about AIDS. There should be more proactive outreach and education.”
human-resources manager
Orlando, Fla.
“No. I have questions about the medications we hear about. Are they effective? I’d appreciate updates on the subject. You hear a lot about breast-cancer awareness, but nothing about AIDS. There should be more proactive outreach and education.”
![<b>Suzee Hankinson</b><br>
<i>events planner<br>
Bella Vista<br>
“Yes, I keep myself informed. Fortunately, it’s not a personal issue for me. So I don’t immerse myself in the [AIDS] literature. But I don’t participate in risky behaviors. I keep it in the back of my mind when I’m in dating situations.”</i>](http://matchbin-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/public/sites/357/assets/Hankinson__Suzee_byTimothyC.jpg "<b>Suzee Hankinson</b><br>
<i>events planner<br>
Bella Vista<br>
“Yes, I keep myself informed. Fortunately, it’s not a personal issue for me. So I don’t immerse myself in the [AIDS] literature. But I don’t participate in risky behaviors. I keep it in the back of my mind when I’m in dating situations.”</i>")
Suzee Hankinson
events planner
Bella Vista
“Yes, I keep myself informed. Fortunately, it’s not a personal issue for me. So I don’t immerse myself in the [AIDS] literature. But I don’t participate in risky behaviors. I keep it in the back of my mind when I’m in dating situations.”
events planner
Bella Vista
“Yes, I keep myself informed. Fortunately, it’s not a personal issue for me. So I don’t immerse myself in the [AIDS] literature. But I don’t participate in risky behaviors. I keep it in the back of my mind when I’m in dating situations.”
Dara Perry
art student
Center City
“Enough to keep myself safe. My high school didn’t teach me anything about it, but my parents did. There’s a lot that’s unknown. The experts need to work harder to come up with answers. After 30 years, we need to end AIDS.”
art student
Center City
“Enough to keep myself safe. My high school didn’t teach me anything about it, but my parents did. There’s a lot that’s unknown. The experts need to work harder to come up with answers. After 30 years, we need to end AIDS.”
Is Elena Kagan's sexual orientation of any interest to you?
2 months ago | 251 views | 0 | 1 | |
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Maureen Belluscio
graduate student
Society Hill
“No, because I have nothing to do with her sexuality. In the broader perspective, if she is a lesbian, I’d like to see her come out. She’d be a valuable role model for the younger generation. But I hate that we live in a world where being lesbian is seen as a negative.”
graduate student
Society Hill
“No, because I have nothing to do with her sexuality. In the broader perspective, if she is a lesbian, I’d like to see her come out. She’d be a valuable role model for the younger generation. But I hate that we live in a world where being lesbian is seen as a negative.”
![<b>Ryan Kurtz</b><br>
<i>bartender<br>
Rehoboth Beach, Del.<br>
“No. Politics don’t mix with the Supreme Court. Her sexual orientation shouldn’t have any effect on her judicial rulings. My mother is a lesbian, and I work in a gay bar. But I’d never ask [Kagan] about her sexuality.”</i>](http://matchbin-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/public/sites/357/assets/Kurtz__Ryan_byTimothyCwiek.jpg "<b>Ryan Kurtz</b><br>
<i>bartender<br>
Rehoboth Beach, Del.<br>
“No. Politics don’t mix with the Supreme Court. Her sexual orientation shouldn’t have any effect on her judicial rulings. My mother is a lesbian, and I work in a gay bar. But I’d never ask [Kagan] about her sexuality.”</i>")
Ryan Kurtz
bartender
Rehoboth Beach, Del.
“No. Politics don’t mix with the Supreme Court. Her sexual orientation shouldn’t have any effect on her judicial rulings. My mother is a lesbian, and I work in a gay bar. But I’d never ask [Kagan] about her sexuality.”
bartender
Rehoboth Beach, Del.
“No. Politics don’t mix with the Supreme Court. Her sexual orientation shouldn’t have any effect on her judicial rulings. My mother is a lesbian, and I work in a gay bar. But I’d never ask [Kagan] about her sexuality.”
![<b>Joshua Hey</b><br>
<i>graphic designer/store clerk<br>
South Philadelphia<br>
“No. It’s a non-issue — though some people will try to make it one. I’m straight, but I’m all for the advancement of gay rights. I realize that some people will try to turn [Kagan] into a gay crusader. Others will try to use the information against her. I don’t think she wants any of that attention.”</i>](http://matchbin-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/public/sites/357/assets/Hey__Joshua_byTimothyCwiek.jpg "<b>Joshua Hey</b><br>
<i>graphic designer/store clerk<br>
South Philadelphia<br>
“No. It’s a non-issue — though some people will try to make it one. I’m straight, but I’m all for the advancement of gay rights. I realize that some people will try to turn [Kagan] into a gay crusader. Others will try to use the information against her. I don’t think she wants any of that attention.”</i>")
Joshua Hey
graphic designer/store clerk
South Philadelphia
“No. It’s a non-issue — though some people will try to make it one. I’m straight, but I’m all for the advancement of gay rights. I realize that some people will try to turn [Kagan] into a gay crusader. Others will try to use the information against her. I don’t think she wants any of that attention.”
graphic designer/store clerk
South Philadelphia
“No. It’s a non-issue — though some people will try to make it one. I’m straight, but I’m all for the advancement of gay rights. I realize that some people will try to turn [Kagan] into a gay crusader. Others will try to use the information against her. I don’t think she wants any of that attention.”
Brian Lavery
student
Washington Square West
“No. It’s better kept unsaid. Sexual orientation doesn’t have anything to do with her ability to be a Supreme Court justice. I could care less whether she’s a lesbian. I just care that she does her job correctly and morally.”
When, if ever, is it appropriate to ban a book from a high-school library?
2 months ago | 257 views | 0 | 1 | |
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James Dawson
landscaper
Baltimore
“It takes a lot to offend me. So I’ll say it’s never appropriate. If the book has made it onto the library shelf, it must have some educational value. If a kid stumbles on something they find offensive — that’s life. Maybe they’ll learn something of value.”
landscaper
Baltimore
“It takes a lot to offend me. So I’ll say it’s never appropriate. If the book has made it onto the library shelf, it must have some educational value. If a kid stumbles on something they find offensive — that’s life. Maybe they’ll learn something of value.”
David Ran
entertainer
West Oak Lane
“Let’s keep it simple. No book should be banned by a high school. Nobody is forcing a child to read anything. It’s up to parents to monitor the reading material of their children. Parents should be kept informed of the library’s holdings through the Parent-Teacher Association and go from there.”
entertainer
West Oak Lane
“Let’s keep it simple. No book should be banned by a high school. Nobody is forcing a child to read anything. It’s up to parents to monitor the reading material of their children. Parents should be kept informed of the library’s holdings through the Parent-Teacher Association and go from there.”
Scott Newcomb
animator
Washington Square West
“We’re talking about a school library. You have to censor things out for children. A book that’s sexually explicit wouldn’t be appropriate for kids. Books that contain racist terms also would be inappropriate.”
animator
Washington Square West
“We’re talking about a school library. You have to censor things out for children. A book that’s sexually explicit wouldn’t be appropriate for kids. Books that contain racist terms also would be inappropriate.”
Taylor Ratcliffe-Leeballet dancer
Bella Vista
“My instinct is to oppose censorship. But a book that’s very pornographic could be banned. It wouldn’t be relevant to the school experience. But no book should be removed until it’s reviewed by a panel composed of all types of people — including those outside of the power structure.”
Bella Vista
“My instinct is to oppose censorship. But a book that’s very pornographic could be banned. It wouldn’t be relevant to the school experience. But no book should be removed until it’s reviewed by a panel composed of all types of people — including those outside of the power structure.”
Is there any place in America where it's advantageous to be an LGBT candidate?
2 months ago | 255 views | 0 | 2 | |
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Jeffrey Cesari
creative director
Graduate Hospital area
“Right here in Center City. Absolutely. The LGBT community is very active and politically aware, with a strong support system. People can identity with an openly LGBT candidate. It’s that personal connection that many voters would feel.”
creative director
Graduate Hospital area
“Right here in Center City. Absolutely. The LGBT community is very active and politically aware, with a strong support system. People can identity with an openly LGBT candidate. It’s that personal connection that many voters would feel.”
![<b>Nicholas Johnson</b><br>
<i>guitar instructor<br>
Chestnut Hill<br>
“San Francisco. Judging from the comments of my friends who live there, I think it would be a benefit. I also have a gay uncle from San Francisco. He says it’s a completely different culture and mindset — [one that s] very open and accepting of the LGBT community.”</i>](http://matchbin-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/public/sites/357/assets/Johnson__Nicholas_byTimothy.jpg "<b>Nicholas Johnson</b><br>
<i>guitar instructor<br>
Chestnut Hill<br>
“San Francisco. Judging from the comments of my friends who live there, I think it would be a benefit. I also have a gay uncle from San Francisco. He says it’s a completely different culture and mindset — [one that s] very open and accepting of the LGBT community.”</i>")
Nicholas Johnson
guitar instructor
Chestnut Hill
“San Francisco. Judging from the comments of my friends who live there, I think it would be a benefit. I also have a gay uncle from San Francisco. He says it’s a completely different culture and mindset — [one that's] very open and accepting of the LGBT community.”
guitar instructor
Chestnut Hill
“San Francisco. Judging from the comments of my friends who live there, I think it would be a benefit. I also have a gay uncle from San Francisco. He says it’s a completely different culture and mindset — [one that's] very open and accepting of the LGBT community.”
Heather Phillips
photographer
South Philadelphia
“Northampton, Mass. I’ve been there many times. It’s a nice, earthy, small city with a vibrant LGBT community. In that town, I could envision it being an asset. But the rest of America is too closed off, including Center City, Philadelphia.”
photographer
South Philadelphia
“Northampton, Mass. I’ve been there many times. It’s a nice, earthy, small city with a vibrant LGBT community. In that town, I could envision it being an asset. But the rest of America is too closed off, including Center City, Philadelphia.”
Abigail Seligsohn
graphic designer
Chinatown
“Yes. New York City; San Francisco; Center City, Philly; South Beach, Fla. Any metropolitan city with a sizeable gay community. That’s just common sense. Being open about one’s sexual orientation and gender identity shows inner strength, fortitude and self-knowledge.”
graphic designer
Chinatown
“Yes. New York City; San Francisco; Center City, Philly; South Beach, Fla. Any metropolitan city with a sizeable gay community. That’s just common sense. Being open about one’s sexual orientation and gender identity shows inner strength, fortitude and self-knowledge.”