Ashleigh Albert

Special to the Courier-Post

PHILADELPHIA – In a crowded caucus meeting at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, a pro-LGBT rights crowd supported their community with applause and cheers. But the energy grew absolutely electric when U.S. Sen. Cory Booker showed up.

A surprise visitor, Booker was just one of dozens of special guests Thursday afternoon who spoke about the importance of advancing LGBT rights.

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“This was a movement for American rights,” he said. “Every American should have access to full citizenship rights.”

During the caucus, speakers and guests made clear they’re enthusiastic about electing Hillary Clinton as well as other Democratic candidates this election season in hopes of advancing the LGBT agenda.

“We who believe in freedom cannot rest,” Booker said.

The caucus passed four resolutions in support of pro-LGBT legislation.

Kate Brown, the first openly bisexual governor from Oregon, spoke adamantly about the importance of electing Clinton, saying the Democratic nominee for president considers the LGBT community part of her family.

Although the room was full of delegates, educator Shannon Cuttle of Maplewood attended as a guest. Cuttle uses they/them pronouns.

“Especially in schools, it’s important LGBT children’s voices be heard,” Cuttle said. “It’s important to continue the conversation, so that’s why it was important I come today.”

Cuttle said they personally feel confident Clinton is the right choice to advance LGBT agenda, particularly in schools when it comes to removing discrimination.

“Although she didn’t used to support us, over the years she has become one of our strongest allies,” Cuttle said. “She is the strongest candidate not just for LGBT, but also the needs of educators. This is a teachable moment.”

Joe Longoria, a Clinton delegate from Mohave County, Arizona, said his county vice chair is a lesbian. When gay marriage was legalized last year, she asked him to be her best man.

Touched, he attended the caucus today to “learn whatever I can” for the community.

Longoria, who is running for mayor in Kingman, Arizona, believes Clinton will be an ally for the LGBT community.

Clinton "is also an excellent voice and champion for children, for women, for everyone,” he said.