Posted by Sage Van Wing

Tonight the Democratic presidential candidates will gather together to answer some hard hitting questions from Melissa Etheridge. What’s being called the “first ever gay debate” is being hosted in Los Angeles by the Human Rights Campaign and LOGO network. Apparently the Republicans were invited as well, but declined to attend. Dodd and Biden also bowed out, pleading scheduling conflicts.

Candidates will be posed questions about issues of importance to LGBT folk by a panel of “noted gay activists” (Melissa Etheridge, Joe Solmonese, and Jonathan Capehart). In questions posed to the candidates beforehand, only Kucinich and Gavel have said they support same-sex marriage. The event will be moderated by journalist Margaret Carlson (who, according to Wikipedia, was once rumored to be having an affair with likely-Republican-candidate Fred Thompson).

And might we spot some gay celebs in the audience tonight? It is LA, after all. Will the candidates be squirming in the spotlight of uncomfortable questions, or will they just try to say as little as possible and hope the religious right doesn’t pounce? Tune in tonight online at 6pm PST to find out.