PHOTOS: Philly Celebrates Supreme Court’s Decision to Strike Down DOMA

We made the rounds to the two local celebrations honoring one of the most important victories in the history of LGBT civil rights.

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There was an undeniable excitement in the air yesterday, after the Supreme Court ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act be struck down. The decision will go down as one of the most significant victories in the history of LGBT civil rights, and, despite rainy weather, Philadelphians turned out to two rallies held across town from each other to raise their voices (and glasses) in celebration.

The first rally, hosted by Delaware Valley Americans United for Separation of Church and State (DVAU) and Philadelphia Family Pride (PFP), drew a crowd of around 150 revelers, a few four-legged friends and a jubilant Philadelphia Freedom Band, who played uplifting anthems like Madonna’s “Material Girl” and Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.” Recent G Philly headline makers Wendy Forbes (PFP) and Janice Rael (DVAU), and Director of the Office of LGBT affairs Gloria Casarez were among the speakers, revving up the crowd with the sentiment that, yes, let’s celebrate today, but the fight must continue tomorrow. Their impassioned words drew chants like “Tell me what democracy looks like — this is what democracy looks like!” and “I’m not going to stop until equality is won!”

Later, the Equality Forum hosted a more laidback shindig at Freedom Park, the new pop-up beer garden across the street from the Kimmel Center. The green space, lit with strands of chain lights and littered with umbrella-covered tables, made an ideal locale for quieter types to grab a beer and celebrate the SCOTUS decision with pals.

Enjoy a few more photos from both events below, and check out our Facebook album for lots more. And for more info on local DOMA-related events, click here.

(Freedom Plaza rally photos taken by fab G Philly intern Nicole Rosenberg)

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