Raven Davis
student
Pittsburgh
“No. It’s already a sensitive subject that causes people a lot of strife. It’s all about the Golden Rule: Treat others as you would want to be treated. Or as we learned in kindergarten: If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

Ava Gennaro
sales associate
Glassboro, N.J.
“No. Anything offensive about the LGBT community should be censored. It’s that important of an issue. Jokes about the LGBT community can contribute to suicide, cause emotional damage and incite violence. It’s nothing to laugh about.”

Judy Schaffner
recruiter
West Philadelphia
“I’m against censorship, so yes, the jokes should be permitted. But be prepared for re-percussions. Just as racial minorities would be justified in protesting a racist joke, the LGBT community is totally justified in protesting a joke told at their expense.”

Angela Wang
marketing representative
Edison, N.J.
“Yes. But I think the LGBT community should have more confidence in themselves. Don’t be bothered by these jokes. You can’t change other people’s behavior. Instead, focus on becoming more confident in yourself, because there’s nothing wrong with you. Actually, it’s totally cool to be LGBT.”

Morgan Chambers
sales associate
South Philadelphia
“I hope I’m right in saying no. Those ideas are outdated. I would hope it’s a negative for a candidate to be anti-LGBT. I’m an optimistic person. It doesn’t help a candidate to pander to people’s prejudices.”

Patrick Danner
graduate student
Bella Vista
“Yes. At this point, I don’t see what else Santorum has going for him. He’s so virulently homophobic. That appears to be his major drawing card. And Iowa is pretty conservative. If he does well in New Hampshire, that’s a different story. But I don’t think he will.”

Robert Holmes
sales clerk
South Philadelphia
“No. It’s not helpful [to be anti-LGBT]. People realize they don’t have the right to judge others for any reason, including sexual orientation. I don’t think anyone voted for Santorum because of that reason. If they did, I’d be disappointed.”

Lauren Zurek
sales clerk
Washington Square West
“No, not in this day and age. All of the Republican [presidential] candidates suck. Iowans didn’t have much to choose from. Santorum is a social conservative. And he got the conservative vote — but for reasons other than his LGBT stance.”

Jason Boyles
architecture intern
Queen Village
“Neil Patrick Harris. He’s a gifted actor, with great charisma. He truly deserved getting his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I think it’s great that he came out of the closet, even though he would inevitably be ridiculed.”

Sieada Brown
service representative
Mayfair
“Rosie O’Donnell and Chaz Bono. I’ve been watching both of them on TV all year. Rosie is a sweet, caring, generous person. I wish her all the best in her upcoming marriage. And Chaz is to be commended for his courage. I adore his mother, too.”

Regina Dawley
computer programmer
Yeadon
“Daniel Hernandez, the guy who saved Gabby Gifford’s life. He acted so admirably. A lot of people would avoid getting involved. They’d be afraid of a lawsuit. I think he’s conducting himself very well in the spotlight.”

Brigette Kragie
student
Chicago
“Ricky Martin. He performed at the first concert I ever went to. He’s good to look at, a great dancer [and] always having fun. When I see him [in the media], I feel nothing but admiration. After he came out, I liked him even more.”

Michael Lindner
architectural designer
South Philadelphia
“The response to anti-LGBT bullying. It’s gratifying to see the problem being addressed in media outlets across the country, like NPR. Bullying is terrible. Nobody should be subjected to that kind of behavior, including LGBT youngsters, who already have so much to deal with.”

Kelly Arnold
student
Center City
“Chaz Bono on ‘Dancing With The Stars.’ I roomed with a transman last year. It sensitized me to the issues the community faces. For Chaz to come out on national TV was quite impressive. Public awareness is so important.”

Slade Paytonyn
tattoo artist
Washington Square West
“Gay marriage passing in New York. I’m a polytheist. We frown upon homo-sexuality because it’s against nature — but we accept it anyway because love is universal. If two people love each other, they should be able to get married.”

Allie Wisniewski
barrista
South Philadelphia
“The Occupy Movement. It’s good to see people coming together to bring about social change. Their de-termination is inspiring. I like all the diversity I’m seeing. The movement does affect everyone, including members of the LGBT community.”

Michelle Miller
student
Washington Square West
“No. The Republicans realize it’s becoming more accepted. Obama won’t use it as a huge position to get reelected, but he’ll make it a side issue, depending on his audience, and the part of the country he’s speaking to. He’s a very good politician.”

Brittany Behar
medical student
Washington Square West
“Probably not. Jobs and the economy will be the main issues. Obama will use gay marriage if he feels he can win some swing voters. But overall, I tend to think both sides will steer clear of the subject because it’s so polarizing.”

Thomas Bracali
bartender
Washington Square West
“No. The Republicans will try to make it an issue to avoid talking about substantive issues like health care, taxation and the banking system. Obama will probably avoid the topic because it might turn off a lot of voters.”

Perry Santulli
student
Washington Square West
“No. Republicans realize the new, young voters are open-minded and in support of LGBT rights. So they’ll probably keep it on the back-burner. Obama is personally uncomfortable with the issue: He won’t turn it into a bullet point.”