In November, 2008, Jeff Parshley and his partner, photographer Adam Bouska, watched as Proposition 8 passed into law in California, banning same-sex couples to marry. Instead of taking their heartache and anger in protest, the couple went back to their apartment and took the first NOH8 photo. Bouska had Parshley pose in front of a white background with the words “NOH8″ written on his cheek and duct tape on his mouth, symbolizing Prop 8 and similar legislation’s attempt to silence the voices of the LGBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender) community. Although it started as an artistic expression for their social networks, Bouska and Parshley’s “NOH8″ began to explode into a grassroots campaign for equality. The campaign has gained recognition not only locally but also on a national level as over 4,400 NOH8 photos have been taken featuring members of the LGBT community, heterosexuals, families, and celebrities.