Be Heard

"I wanted to be a part of this campaign to help show my generation that we should NOT tolerate hate. Our generation is becoming more and more judgmental and I think we are all forgetting that no one is perfect. Embrace and love your imperfections. It's time for our generation to take a stand against hate . After all, we're up next." - Coy Stewart Coy poses for a photo

My husband and I decided to pose with our 8 year old daughter because we want to teach her the importance of equality in all things . All people matter and nobody should be judged based on who they love. We want to raise her so that she doesn't define people with labels and that she values people's feelings. We want to teach her to have NOH 8 !

Hate's been a big part of my past , so much of it directed at myself and others. I can't erase any damage I've done, but I can help bring about change , whether through telling my story in my blog, " Confession of a Homophobe " or my fiction. "30-Day Program" is a short story in the free collection 5 More Perfect Days where homosexuals are forced into Retraining Centers.

Homophobia is something I have grown up with all my life: in my childhood, Primary School, High School and as a young closeted adult; even after I came out I was assaulted when coming out of a gay club in my early days in Sydney. Growing up I felt a sense of self-hatred - because I had been raised to hate gay people - and a sense of worthlessness, because I had been brought

Over the past year, I have been voicing my opinion on this topic. It's not because the majority of my friends are gay - yes, that does play a big role - but because I don't like seeing people feel like no one is out there that is on their side. Everyone needs an ally , and I have dedicated myself to a lifetime of providing that support. It's amazing what this campaign has