Tomorrow, marriage equality faces obstacles in three states: Maine, Washington, and Michigan. Americans in those three states have the opportunity to take a historical stand for human rights and make sure that everyone in their state is equal under the law. Remember to get out and VOTE! Every single vote makes a difference.
When it comes to every person counting, nobody can put it quite like Dr. Deepak Chopra.
Deepak Chopra is known around the world for his teachings, having written over 55 books that have been translated into 35 different languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers. Many of Dr. Chopra's books center around spirituality and the mind-body connection, and he frequently appears as a guest on various television shows ranging from CNN to Ellen.
Dr. Chopra invited us to the Chopra Center in San Diego last week so that he too could join the NOH8 Campaign and lend his face - as well as his powerful voice - to the cause. Dr. Chopra is a vocal advocate for gay marriage and was vehemently against Prop 8. He wrote about the hateful proposition and its relation to the "moral hazard" in an article he posted to his blog before elections last year. In the article, Dr. Chopra talks about what can happen when people vote without consequence. You can check out the incredibly thought-provoking article here: Gay Marriage and the Democratic Hazard.
"'Moral hazard' is a phrase more of us know in this era of reckless trading on Wall Street, and now we can apply it to politics. Traders who use other peoples money arent exposed to the risk of losing their own money; therefore, they act less responsibly than someone who is fully exposed to the consequences of a risky decision thats the moral hazard. In politics, irresponsible behavior happens when there is little or no consequence to be felt, the only difference being that you play with someone elses life, not merely their money."
Dr. Chopra goes on to say, "In a democracy, majority rule is based on respect for minority rights, the basic idea being that a bond of trust allows minorities to feel safe when they are outnumbered." And he's right! Gay and lesbian couples shouldn't have to live in fear that our rights are going to be taken away, and we shouldn't have to worry about having limitations put on our freedom. It's not right, and we can't continue to live that way. Nobody should.
Deepak Chopra isn't the first of his family to join the campaign. Deepak's son, Gotham Chopra came by the studio a few months ago with his beautiful family to take their stance for marriage equality.
Gotham was joined by his wife Candace and their son Krishan, who proudly posed with an "equality" bracelet.
Take a cue from the Chopra's and find a minute today to meditate about the hundreds of thousands of loving, committed couples in Maine, Washington, and Kalamazoo, Michigan - all of whom are having their relationships defined by the majority vote tomorrow. Send your positive vibes their way - it certainly can't hurt. To those fighting the fight for marriage equality in those states - our thoughts and support are with you!
For everyone voting tomorrow, remember YOUR moral hazard. What if the outcome of the votes defined YOUR life? What about the lives of those YOU care about? Keep those people in your mind - and your hearts - when you're casting your vote tomorrow. Your vote may not have a direct effect on you, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a very direct, profound, and life-changing effect on your neighbor.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence brought a completely new look to our campaign this summer, coming together to do what they do best - help bring awareness to gay rights issues!
The Sisters are a world-wide organization famous for their charity work and protests, utilizing a unique combination of drag and Catholic imagery. Their use of bold visuals to make a strong statement against intolerance is definitely something we at the NOH8 Campaign can relate to!
Each Sister has her own theme, of course - but they all donned the notorious duct tape for the cause, each tailoring their custom habits to match the NOH8 Campaign colors. We love their creativity and all the work the Sisters do in the community to speak out and be heard!
The very first to pose for us was the beautiful Sister Roma, who came to us all the way from San Francisco - birthplace of the Sisters - to shoot a special cover for Gloss Magazine. We're still finding red and white feathers around the studio!
With the fall season upon us, we here at the NOH8 Campaign wanted to take a moment and reflect on the busy summer we've had. The campaign has continued growing at an exponential rate these past few months, and we've been overwhelmed by the support we've received from our community.
Support has come from a number of familiar faces from various walks of life, and we're proud to debut these photos for the very first time here on our site as part of our Summer's End Celebration! We'll be posting more blogs over the coming days to include more photos of these amazing individuals, so make sure to check back and see who we have in store! :)
Our first feature is the lovely and elegant actress Debi Mazar. Debi, currently appearing on Dancing With the Stars, proved she is willing to stand up for what she believes in no matter what, posing for marriage equality despite DWTS's popularity among conservative audiences. She doesn't care what other people think - Debi wants you to know that she supports equal rights!
Did you know that Dr. Drew is a huge supporter of same-sex marriage? If not... you do now! The good doctor stopped by our studio recently to show his support for the NOH8 Campaign.
Millions know Dr. Drew Pinsky as host of the nationally syndicated radio call-in program Loveline, a show which has allowed him to help people from all over the country with their problems. Dr. Drew has been a well-respected authority on practical and sensible advice for years, with subjects ranging from relationships to substance abuse and more.
In addition to his traditional NOH8 photo, Dr. Drew also came up with the concept of doing a photo with his eyes covered. The duct tape over his eyes illustrates Prop 8 legislation being blind to logic, reason, and most of all - compassion and understanding. Can't you see?
Dr. Drew took the opportunity while he was here to say some very strong words about the ban on same-sex marriage, including why the passage of Prop 8 made him ashamed to be a Californian.
Hear everything Dr. Drew had to say by checking out the video below!
Kim Zolciak, star of Bravo's hit series Real Housewives of Atlanta, joins the ranks of singer Debbie Gibson, model Rachel Sterling, and fellow reality star Candace Smith as women who have all chosen to go topless for equality in order to help raise awareness for the NOH8 Campaign.
Kim's campaign portrait makes her support for the cause loud and clear!
"I feel so strongly about gay rights for several reasons, most importantly two of my family members are gay and my Uncle John was personally affected. He was denied rights that all heterosexual Americans are allowed. I believe that regardless of your gender you should be able to choose who your partner is, whether it be same-sex or not. I am all for people being happy. I posed topless to make a LOUD statement to help this wonderful cause. Thank you NOH8 Campaign!" - Kim Zolciak
Thank YOU Kim! We're so appreciative of your support. The NOH8 Campaign welcomes everyone who is willing to stand up against hate and make their voice heard on the issue. We don't judge or discriminate against ANYONE based on their public image, and will continue to support those who support us! We hope all of our supporters will do the same. :)
