Written by Derek Besenfelder
Derek Besenfelder
On July 29th, 2009 San Francisco came together as a community to promote equality and take a stand against hate by offering up their cheeks to celebrity photographer Adam Bouska, his partner Jeff Parshley, and their NOH8 Campaign.
After the passing of Proposition 8, amending the state Constitution to ban same-sex marriage, there was a groundswell of initiative from within the community at a grassroots level. Seizing this opportunity, new political and protest organizations began forming daily. The NOH8 Campaign is a photo project & silent protest created in direct response to the passage of Proposition 8.
The campaign started with portraits of everyday Californians who support Marriage Equality and soon rose to celebrities, military personnel, law enforcement, lesbian mothers, directors, politicians, newlyweds and others. Photos feature subjects with NOH8 painted on one cheek in protest, and duct tape over their mouths symbolizing their voices being silenced by Prop 8 legislation.
Alexandra Tyndall
Andrew Freeman
Bevan Dufty
Brandon Hernandez
Brook Waterhouse
Courtney Steffens
Craig Lipton
Donna Sachet
Dorka Keehn
Emily Morse
Eoin Harrington
Geoff Callan
Hilary Newsom Callan
Jay Jeffers
Jessica Mullens
Joel Robare
Joseph Domingo
Joy Bianchi
Julie Chaiken
Karen Tamblyn
Keylee Sanders
Lorenzo Hill
Margaret Mitchell
Marcy Carmack
Michael Purdy
Mireille Schwartz
Rachel Lena Esterline
Regina Callan
Sabrina Buel
“This was a wonderful opportunity for San Francisco to show their support and make their voices heard on the issue of Marriage Equality,” said Christopher Hayden, Creative Content Writer and Director for the campaign. “This was our first time taking the campaign outside North Hollywood, and the response from the SF community was completely overwhelming in the best way possible. It was really touching to see everyone come together to make this event happen. We couldn't have asked for a better turn-out and we are looking forward to coming back!"
San Francisco’s passion surrounding the cause became evident by the end of the day when the total portraits reached 210, setting a new record. Previously, the most people photographed by the campaign in one day was 138.
Derek Besenfelder, organizer of the photo shoot, attributes the strong turnout and success of the day to the collaborative effort put forth by key members within the community. “I personally want to thank Alexandra Tyndall, Craig Lipton, Courtney Steffens, Jenevieve Randall, Jessica Mullens, Karen Tamblyn, Keylee Sanders, Lindsey Shook and Rebecca Heaps for all of their hard work and assistance. We proved that together, united, we can make a difference.”
No one can accuse San Francisco of lacking love and commitment to their community, family and friends. The diverse support this campaign has received proves that it is not about Republican or Democrat, Man or Woman, Gay or Straight, but rather equality and justice for all.
For additional information regarding the NOH8 Campaign, their portfolio of pictures, behind-the-scenes videos and much more, follow the campaign online at: www.noh8campaign.com
http://www.bouska.net
facebook, myspace and twitter.
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