Philly’s Happiest Gay Couples

Elicia Gonzales (37) + Amy Scarano (35)

Gonzales is the executive director of GALAEI; Scarano is a licensed clinical social worker with the Department of Veterans Affairs who works with veterans returning from active duty and in the hospice unit. They’re both involved with local nonprofits such as the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, where Scarano is on the board. They’ve been together for seven and a half years.

E: “We have a nontraditional beginning. We met through a mutual friend in the early 2000s. I was dating mostly boys. She knew I was going to school to be a sex therapist, and she took me to a dungeon party in New York City. It was the most awkward gathering ever.”

A: “We were both terrified. Neither of us wanted to be there.”

E: “Amy proposed to me four years ago. We did an act of commitment versus ‘let’s get engaged and married.’ We didn’t see the point since it’s not legal.”

A: “If there is a time to legally have a chance to be represented, I would take it on. I would like to be treated equally.”

E: “We are a happy, childless family.”

A: “We have two puppy children—Lakeland Terriers.”

E: “Amy has this crazy ability to connect with people in two seconds, and people trust her, love her and flock to her and want to tell her their deepest, darkest secrets.”

A: “She’s absolutely down with the cause and understands the social injustices in our system. For me, I love the juxtaposition between her social consciousness and fighting for the underserved and her very traditional view of family life.”

E: “She’s the goofiest person I’ve ever met. She can tear up at the drop of a hat and sings show tunes and Elvis.”