NOH8 Campaign to shoot photos downtown Monday

The NOH8 Campaign will make its first-ever stop in Cincinnati Monday at The Westin Cincinnati Hotel, where people are encouraged to be photographed to show their support for the nonprofit’s stand against discrimination and bullying.
 
About 50,000 individuals from across the globe have been photographed to date sporting the signature NOH8 tattoo on their faces while duct-taping their mouths shut — a symbol initially intended to represent the voices silenced by California’s Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in that state in 2008. A federal court eventually ruled Prop 8 unconstitutional.
 
Photos are $40 per person for single photos or $25 per person for couple or group shots, and all funds generated are used to promote and raise awareness for human rights.
 
For the campaign’s founders, Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley, it’s important to provide an opportunity that initiates dialogue.
 
“Coming from small towns ourselves, we know what it's like to grow up without an outlet to speak out,” Bouska and Parshley say. “We want to bring the message of NOH8 everywhere we can as a resource to give people a way to show support. Harvey Milk always said, ‘Visibility was the key way to opening hearts and minds,’ and that's what our mission is all about.”
 
Bouska, an award-winning celebrity and fashion photographer, and Parshley, executive producer for the campaign, are partners for whom the message of marriage equality hits particularly close to home.
 
“Whether you're directly or indirectly affected by discrimination and legislation like Prop 8, NOH8 photos are an easy way to broadcast your support and identify yourself as an ally of equality,” they say. “For nearly seven years, tens of thousands of supporters worldwide have been using NOH8 to keep the conversation about marriage equality in the mainstream. The message has grown to be about more than just equality; it's about building and supporting a sense of community and human rights for everybody.”

Do Good: 

• Check out the NOH8 event invite on Facebook and participate in the open shoot 5-8 p.m. Monday, April 13.

• Check out NOH8's BE HEARD Project and share your own story. 

• Support the NOH8 Campaign by donating.