noh8

On November 4, 2008 Proposition 8 passed in California, amending the state Constitution to ban same-sex marriage. The defeat provoked a groundswell of initiative within the GLBT community at a grassroots level, resulting in the formation of many new political and protest organizations. The conception of celebrity photographer

Adam Bouska and partner Jeff Parshley, the NOH8 Campaign is a photographic silent protest created in direct response to the passage of Propostion 8.

Photos feature subjects with duct tape covering their mouths, symbolizing the silencing of their voices by Prop 8 and similar discrimination, with the protest of "NOH8" painted on one cheek.

The campaign began with a handful of portraits of everyday Californians from all walks of life and gained momentum with the participation of high profile personalities. Participants have included politicians, military personnel, newlyweds, law enforcement, artists, and celebrities. Nearly a year and a half since its inception, the NOH8 Campaign has grown to over 4000 faces and continues to expand at an exponential rate.

The NOH8 Campaign images are shared on social networking sites, including Facebook and Twitter. The images spread the message of equality, encourage dialogue, and promote the sharing of information and ideas. With overwhelming support from around the world, the NOH8 Campaign has tallied over 200,000 followers and supporters. In USA Today’s #America Wants competition, the NOH8 Campaign made the Top 10 list of over 500 charities thanks to their supporters.

www.bouska.

http://www.noh8campaign.com