HUDSON – John O’Hara and John Flanagan, a married couple from Massachusetts, made the drive to Alvirne High School along with dozens of others to take a stand against hate with Alvirne alum Jeff Parshley.

Parshley returned to Hudson on Tuesday night to bring his silent protest, called “NOH8,” to Southern New Hampshire. Parshley started the movement with his partner, celebrity photographer Adam Bouska, as a response to the 2008 failure of California’s Proposition 8, which would have allowed same-sex marriage. The photo shoot was held from 4-7 p.m. at the school.

While California now recognizes same sex marriages, Parshley said his job is far from over.

“It’s cool to be able to come back here and get people involved to fight for equality,” said Parshley, adding that he wasn’t openly gay or popular during his high school days. “It’s truly up to the community being here that makes this possible.”

Parshley said the NOH8 nonprofit, which funds itself by charging supporters for the pictures they take, “wouldn’t be able to do what we do without our sponsors.”

In the years since 2008, NOH8 has photographed more than 33,000 people. In the pictures, which cost $40 each, supporters of NOH8 pose with a piece of duct tape over their mouths, representing the plight of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people.

At first, the pictures represented everyday Californians but has arisen to include celebrities, politicians and athletes. New Hampshire Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster has been photographed by Bouska.

O’Hara said he came to support the NOH8 campaign with his husband because the effort has succeeded in putting “a face on the issue.”

O’Hara said he and his husband have been fortunate.

“We’ve been very lucky, we have very supportive family and friends,” O’Hara said.

Flanagan agreed. The couple was married four years ago on Martha’s Vineyard.

“That’s why we’re lucky, there are a lot that aren’t so lucky,” Flanagan said.

Bradford Randall can be reached at 594-6557 or brandall@nashua
telegraph.com. Also, follow Randall on Twitter (@telegraph_bradr).