Today is the third annual NOH8 Day, commemorating the three-year anniversary of celebrity photographer Adam Bouska's campaign against Prop 8, and you better believe West Hollywood will be celebrating.
Enter the event at House of Blues this evening, and you will see thousands upon thousands of photographs of celebrities, politicians, military personnel, law enforcement and more, all clad in white with duct tape across their mouths. This is the "photographic silent protest" that Bouska and his partner Jeff Parshley founded to symbolize the voices being silenced by Prop 8 and similar intolerant legislation around the world.
Starting with everyday Americans as his subjects three years ago, Bouska has now photographed over 18,000 individuals. And, according to the ticker on the campaign's website, currently reading "18,150 photos and counting," the number of NOH8 portraits continues to grow quickly.
Bouska will photograph more VIPs at the event this evening, and there will be live performances from DMC (of Run-DMC) and YouTube sensations Mandy Rain and Tinashe. Celebrity guests will include Ashley Fink ("Glee"), LeAnn Rimes, Adam Shankman, Eric Balfour, Rebecca Black, Fran Drescher, Jodi Sweetin, Dave Coulier, Mackenzie Phillips and others.
Last week, a federal appeals court seemed unlikely to throw out the California Supreme Court ruling against Prop 8's gay marriage ban. Conservative groups had hoped to invalidate the ruling because of the ruling judge's undisclosed same-sex relationship.
With what appears to be a triumph over Prop 8, the NOH8 website makes it clear that the evening and campaign are about more than just California. "This is our time to get together and rally support as we head into an election year," the website reads. "We all must remember, marriage equality is not just a California issue, it's a world wide issue. Let support the states that need our help in 2012!"
Tonight's event:
Doors Open: 7pm, Open Bar: 7-8pm, Live Performances: 9:30pm
House of Blues, 8430 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood CA 90069
Free and all ages
PHOTOS: Celebrities who have lent their star power to the NOH8 campaign
