For My Fallen Friend, by Brittany Yarak

I posed with a photo of my best friend, the late Benjamin Gilbert. His suicide last year is largely due to his sexuality and the hate that regrettably surrounds the LGBTQ community. I can't express enough the respect and passion I feel for this campaign.

Ben was so full of laughter and life. Everyone always asks me why he killed himself. It was the hate. His everyday life was a constant battle.

The NOH8 Campaign is the loudest silent protest I know of. Ben essentially embodies this protest. People like him are the reason we work so hard for equality; it's so worth it.

Thank you!

Brittany Yarak

Hollywood United Methodist Church Open Shoot