As previously noted here in an earlier blog post, Prop H8 didn't have to end up the way it did. Quite literally, 500 more people voting our way - the way of Love instead of Hate - would have changed the course of history. What we can do now, however, is make the most out of a bad situation by using it to raise awareness, which is exactly what Adam Bouska and the NOH8 Campaign is doing.
Adam, a wildly popular and successful fashion photographer, launched the NOH8 Campaign to raise awareness around the country - and the world - about the effects of discrimination against the LGBT community. Discrimination with regards to civil marriage laws specifically, and civil rights in general.
Since its launch, the NOH8 Campaign has garnered the support of individuals and celebrities alike. People from all walks of life, gay or straight, submit their photos to the Campaign every day. More importantly, celebrities (again gay and straight) are lending their support through photo shoots, letting the world know that they do not support discrimination. Celebrities like Lady Gaga, Marlee Matlin, Debi Mazar, Dr. Drew, Gloria Alred, Michael Emerson, Jillian Reynolds and many, many more. Some of my personal favorites have been the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Logo's Rick & Steve, and Steve-O's Gay Marriage (to himself)!
In case you have seen them yet, or have been living in a closet, the whole concept of the NOH8 Campaign photos is very simple: a piece of duct tape over the mouth, a "NO H8" tattoo on the cheek, and usually a white t-shirt/outfit. The rest is a matter of fashion/style and varies from photo to photo, depending on the personality of the person in the shot. For example, in Marlee Matlin's photo, her hands were tied.
Obviously not everyone wants to (or can) have their photos posted on Internet, regardless of how great the cause is. This is understandable - no matter how great the strides we've made over the past few decades, or even the past few years, sadly there are still states where a person can be fired from their jobs simply for being perceived as gay. People are killed and injured severely every day by the very people that this campaign is targeted to.
If you want to help, but can't contribute with a photo, be it amateur or professional, consider contributing in another way.
- Tweet about @noh8campaign, #noh8campaign, #prop8, etc. to spread the word!
- Blog about it, let people know about http://www.noh8campaign.com
- Buy a NOH8 Campaign Bracelet (limited edition, get 'em while supplies last!) from the NOH8 campaign store.
- Buy a NOH8 T-Shirt: http://www.bouska.net/noh8/store.htm
- Talk to a friend or family member! Remember, Prop H8 lost by less than 400 votes! Was a friend or family member of yours one of those votes? Would talking to them have made the difference?
- Don't Give Up! We will win this fight, one heart and one mind at a time.
Key Websites:
- NOH8 Campaign: http://www.noh8campaign.com/
- NOH8 Campaign on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=41170436867
- NOH8 Campaign on MySpace: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=439890096
- NOH8 Campaign on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/noh8campaign
- NOH8 Campaign Store: http://www.bouska.net/noh8/store.htm
- NOH8 T-Shirts: http://www.cafepress.com/noh8campaign/
- Adam Bouska Photography: http://www.bouska.net/
- NOH8 Campaign on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/NOH8Campaign
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