Americans once stood to fight for racial equality; decades later, the citizens of the United States continue to stand up for what they believe in. Although several activist won the battle for racial equality, a new fight has begun to end marriage inequality through a nation-wide campaign called ‘NOH8’.
The young and old are showing overwhelming support for the NOH8 campaign, a charitable organization fighting for marriage equality and anti-discrimination. The campaign spreads knowledge through visual protest.
Photographer Adam Bouska, along with partner Jeff Parshley, created this silent protest in response to Proposition 8, a legislation declaring same-sex marriage in California illegal.
In each photo, one is featured with NOH8 painted on one cheek and duct tape placed across their mouth, symbolizing their voices being stifled by Proposition 8. The organization has grown to fight for universal equality.
“It’s just to promote knowledge of the NOH8 campaign and basically get the knowledge out there,” said Justin Williamson, a communication junior who put together a short NOH8 photo shoot to raise awareness after a housing meeting in St. Tammany Hall.
In the spirit of love and relationships, several students felt that February was an ideal month to launch the campaign. “I think February is a good month because everyone talks about romance and relationships, but especially in a conservative state like Louisiana people don’t talk as much about same-sex marriages and topics like that.”
Since NOH8 was created four years ago, the support and awareness of the campaign has grown to reach about 30,000 photos taken. The campaign is continually growing and the faces of politicians, celebrities, athletes, artists and numerous others have painted NOH8 on one cheek and placed duct tape over their mouths in support of the cause.
“It’s a very important thing to me,” said Williamson. “I believe in the ideas of equality and fairness, and I think it’s really important that we are just really respectful and kind to one another and support each other in anything that goes along in our aspects of life, like loving someone.”
The NOH8 campaign has reached beyond the boundaries of the United States and is now receiving support from around the world. Upcoming photo shoots will take place in locations including  South Africa, Ireland, Czech Republic and more.
NOH8 travels to many areas to do an open photo shoot with celebrity photographer and creator, Bouska, to further raise awareness. The open photo shoot has varied prices to help support funds.  
During its four year tenure the campaign has united thousands of individuals world wide and continues to rise in support  of marriage inequality.  To receive updates on the campaign, and create your own NOH8 photo download the NOH8 app for iPhones and iPads. To donate to the cause or create a personal NOH8 photo visit  www.noh8campaign.com.