NOH8 Campaign expands Chicago photo shoot because of overwhelming support

Sun. October 10, 2010 4:05 PM by GoPride.com News Staff

jane lynch in noh8 campaign

photo credit // noh8campaign.com

NOH8 photo shoot now to begin at Noon, Monday Oct. 11

Chicago, IL - The NOH8 Campaign has expanded plans for its Chicago photo shoot this Monday, Oct. 11, because of overwhelming interest by Midwest supporters.

"The amount of RSVPs is a bit intimidating," photographer Adam Bouska told ChicagoPride.com. "It really says a lot about what is on people's minds these days."

Bouska started the silent protest with partner Jeff Parshley in response to the passage of Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in California on Nov. 4, 2008.

The first photo was of Parshley in the now-well known pose that includes supporters covering their mouths with duct tape and "NOH8" painted on one cheek to symbolize the belief that they are being silenced by Proposition 8 and similar legislation nationwide.

Since that first photo, the NOH8 Campaign has grown to more than 5,500 photographs of supporters and continues to grow at an exponential rate. Supporters of the campaign include politicians and celebrities including Cindy McCain, Jane Lynch, Kathy Griffin and Isaiah Washington.

Bouska, a Chicago native, tells ChicagoPride.com the NOH8 Campaign would like to add Oprah Winfrey's face to the cause. "We're hoping to get influential faces like Oprah, President Obama, Michelle Obama, Ellen DeGeneres, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and Bill Clinton," he said.

The NOH8 Campaign, recently a nonprofit organization, continues to protest against the ban of same-sex marriage and all anti-discriminatory acts.

The Chicago photo shoot is one of a series of nationwide events, but Parshley tells ChicagoPride.com that with over 1,400 reservations Chicago is going to be one of the largest shoots to date.

Monday's shoot in honor of National Coming Out Day will be at the W Chicago Hotel - City Center, 172 W. Adams. The shoot, originally planned for 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. is now slated to start at Noon and remains open to anyone who wants to get involved in the growing campaign for equality.

Solo NOH8 photos will require a minimum donation of $40 per person while any group or couple photos will require a $25 donation per person in the photo. Donated funds are tax deductible and go to the national campaign.

Participants are asked to wear a plain white shirt to the photo shoot. Bouska will take five to 10 frames for each individual or group and will retouch the photo of his choice, to be made available through the campaign website, www.NOH8Campaign.com.

"We will demand full Federal equality for all and we won't stop until that is achieved," said Bouska.

Related: Read the ChicagoPride.com interview with NOH8 creators Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley

Related: Watch Adam Bouska on Fox Chicago's Good Day Chicago, Monday, Oct 11. at approx. 9:35 a.m.
 

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