Be Heard

I will start off by saying that I am a member of the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints otherwise known as Mormon. Since the day I found out about the NOH8 Campaign I have wanted to participate and wondered if I would ever get the opportunity, partially because of location and partially because I wondered if I would ever get over the fear of my loved ones judging me and allowing myself to have a NOH8 pic taken and put out there.

My pose for the NOH8 campaign was filled with symbolism both personal and of wider-reach. This pose represents family, time, tradition, my personal and our communal struggle for equality and justice.

Before I came to terms with my sexuality, I was always afraid to be myself. It was as if I had done something wrong. Now that I have accepted it, I want everyone who may feel a little different to experience the same joy the I feel today. I want them to have a voice, I want them to be heard!

I am a straight female living in Los Angeles, CA. I am a supporter of the NOH8 Campaign because I believe strongly in having a CHOICE. I think that the primitive way of thinking where everyone does and lives the same way is not only outdated but unrealistic and limiting. Love does not know boundaries, color, sexual preference...love is selfless and applies to all things, regardless of where something or someone is at.

I posed for NOH8 because at the age of fourteen I realized that I was a lesbian. Three years later I am co-president of my school's Gay Straight Alliance and I have come out to my parents and everyone at my school. I found the NOH8 campaign last year and thought it was a powerful movement and hoped I could take part.