We Want to BE HEARD!

After many people have viewed the photo of Michael and I, as a gay rights activist I think it's time for the minority in our own community to speak up and be heard. Intergenerational relationships have been morally questioned by those outside of the gay and lesbian American bubble. They've also been questioned within it. Finding Michael has been a gift. I've never met someone so smart, so adult and so kind. There still exists among us some H8 regarding this. When we chose to do the NOH8 campaign photos, we did it for layers of reasons. The first being the repeal of Prop 8, the second being the public opinion repeal of a sense of detest of love that happens between males from different generations.

Michael and I love each other, we listen to each other, and we share the same goals and dreams, mutual respect and dignity to each other. And believe it or not, there has been a sense of joy and appreciation amongst our family and friends-who see at last, two people who have the courage to love each other and shield one another from any protests of discrimination and attack from those who may misunderstand. And believe me when I tell you, people do not misunderstand love. In our dreams and in our hopes and in the lives of all those whom our photo may touch in a sympathetic way, we would like to extend our invitation to let you take this photo to the highest possible level with our message of love and hope for all those daring to love across generational lines. We thank you and we wish you many years of success with your message of NOH8.

Richard Noble

Palm Springs, CA