spread the word "No H8"

On November 4, 2008, Proposition eight was passed in the state of California. Proposition eight banned the right for same sex marriage. This caused a lot of protest against the state legislature. The "No H8" campaign created a way for people to protest in silence photographically. These photos feature men and women with piece of duct tape over their mouths with the words "No H8" painted on one check in protest.  The “No H8” campaign became popular through Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks and blogs. Later on the “No H8” foundation had over 20,000 faces. This campaign started with portraits of everyday people to politicians, military personal, celebrities and many other groups of people.This campaign continues to grow at an exponential rate.

Even though homophobia plays a big part in the hip hop culture today, not all of hip hop itself is homophobic. Hip hop celebrities such as Trina, Russell Simmons, Angela Simmons, Vanessa Simmons and D.M.C. showed there support towards the "No H8" campaign. Celebrities that have some influence in the hip hop culture have also joined the “No H8” campaign D.M.C. is one of the most famous hip hop pioneers. D.M.C is known for the group Run-D.M.C . Their band was the main reason how the hip hop culture came to be. Russell Simmons and his two nieces (Angela Simmons and Vanessa Simmons), chose to stand up for the right of same sex marriage also by showing their support to "No H8" campaign with their uncle. Russell Simmons is known in the hip hop culture by his entrepreneurship of clothes and shoes and many other things. If more influential hip hop artist would join this campaign, then there would be less homophobia in the hip hop society today.  If more of the influential hip hop celebrities encourage same sex marriage, then maybe one day hip hop itself would be more welcoming to homosexuality. .