Thursday, August 9, 2012
Photography Time and Place: Chick Kiss
Posted by Stephanie Pharr on Thu, Aug 9, 2012 at 2:34 PM
On Aug. 3, 2012, at around 1:15 p.m., I snapped this shot of a kiss-in at the Midtown Chick-fil-A off of Peachtree Street. Trevor Howell (from left), Matty Barbato, Bryce Smithe, and Mathew Lehosit took part in a nationwide protest against Chick-fil-A for the company's support of hate groups and anti-gay causes. I was asked by the organizer of the kiss-in, Matty Barbato, to document the event and promote "equality and love." The following day I found myself among many friends from the LGBT community fully supporting their cause to voice concerns about their rights.
The kiss-in received mixed reviews from passers-by; some cheered and clapped in support while they captured their own moments of history, while others muttered negative comments or shouted hateful remarks from afar. While taking pictures I asked myself if this particular protest tactic plays into the fears of those who remain ignorant and intolerant of same-sex relationships. I also wondered if using a "shock value" to gain momentum and visibility sends the right message to the masses. Despite these concerns I find it important for our community to support each other and encourage public dialogue by staying active.
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