by The Cowl Editor on March 15, 2018
Campus
by Sarah Gianni ’18
News Staff
One of the core missions of Providence College is to promote diversity and inclusion amongst all community members. As a reflection of this goal, SHEPARD and the PC Photography Club co-sponsored a NOH8 photo shoot in the Slavin Soft Lounge. The shoot took place on Monday, February 26, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The NOH8 campaign is a photographic silent protest that originated with celebrity photographer Adam Bouska and his partner, Jeff Parshley. It began after “Proposition 8” was passed in California in 2008, amending the state’s constitution to ban same-sex marriage.
“Holding this photo shoot allowed members of the PC community to openly express their solidarity with the LGBTQ+ individuals and allies both in our community and outside of it,” said SHEPARD president Mallari Bosque ’18.
The photos capture participants with the words “NOH8” painted on their face, with a piece of duct tape covering their mouths. “The photos were a portrait style with the faces of each person as the main focus,” said Bosque. “Some participants took group photos, and the facial expressions were always serious.” There to capture the photos were Shalan McDonagh ’18 and Nicholas Crenshaw ’20, who took shots of around 25 participants.
“While we had a higher turnout to the event last year—about 50 or so students—I still thought this year’s campaign was a success,” said executive board member Christina Cahill ’18. It is the mission of the NOH8 campaign to promote marriage, gender, and human equality through education, social media, and visual protest. “I was proud to participate in this event, and I hope it will continue at PC to educate community members and support equal rights for all,” said Bosque.