HARLEM, N.Y. (PIX11) -- For the first time in their 17-year history, the NOH8 campaign arrived in Harlem.
The goal was to stand against discrimination while showcasing the resources available to the local community.
Adam Bouska, co-founder of the NOH8 campaign has taken the portraits of over 120,000 people. It started back in 2008 in direct response to the passage of Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in California.
Today, it speaks out to all forms of discrimination over the last 17 years, but this is the beginning in many ways.
The campaign's signature images feature participant with duct tape over their mouths, symbolizing the silencing of their voices and rights. This powerful visual aligns with the mission of the Emma L. Bowen Center, which offers a range of community-focused programs supporting the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, advocating for mental health, empowerment, and social justice.
"We wanted to make it clear that everyone is welcome here," said Lawrence Fowler, deputy executive director of the Emil Bowen Community Center. "We are a community resource and it is critical, particularly during this time that this is known and is known widely."
Scott and David Rudd traveled from New Jersey with their pups to relive the first time they participated in the campaign.
"We did it the day before our wedding so this is our wedding picture 13 years ago. The world has changed a lot but there's still a lot of need to promote love and to remind everybody that hate is not the answer. Violence is not the action, aggression is not the answer, and to be silent is not the answer, you have to speak up."
Due to the recent actions taken by the Trump administration impacting healthcare, diversity, equity, and inclusion, Councilmember Abreau says now more than ever, the NOH8 campaign's importance has increased. "Our federal leadership has taken decades of steps back in our progress and in protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community."
"Today, our community is fighting for their life. They are fighting to exit. They are fighting for healthcare and so it's more relevant today to more people," said Jeff Parshley, co-founder of the NOH8 campaign.
The NOH8 campaign has 14 stops in several other states. Learn more about their campaign on their website.
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