What LGBT person deserves a mural in Philadelphia?

Michaela DeBenedictis
music teacher | East Falls
"Sister Rosetta Tharpe. She was a pioneer in rock-and-roll guitar-playing, a real music legend. She was openly bisexual in the 1940s when doing that wasn’t easy. She obviously took a lot of heat for it. I admire her tenacity and her fearlessness to be herself."


Nicholas Schwarsman
actor | Queen Village
"Dito Van Reigersberg. She also goes by Martha Graham Cracker. She’s a drag queen that shouldn’t be forgotten, an icon. She’s one of the most positive and entertaining acts in the Philadelphia LGBT community. She’s totally in your face and on your lap about being queer. No shame whatsoever. She’s an artist we can all admire."


Cameron Perry
musician | Cleveland, Ohio
"Freddie Mercury. He was an amazing singer. I found him to be very engaging with his audience. The way he dressed on stage really made an impression. He was one-of-a-kind. We’ll never seek his likes again."


Zack James
musician | Richmond, Va.
"I’m a musician so I’ll say Elton John. He’s an incredibly talented musician. And I admire how he’s lived his life. He’s set a good example by coming out. Anyone who does that also inspires others to do the same."


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