Human Rights – Equality – something I am truly passionate about and learnt much more about doing the Think About It Project . You may have read a letter I wrote that was published in the newspaper this week- parts of it were edited out – the quotes that I felt were the most important.
This is the full letter I wrote to the editor of the Shepparton Adviser –
” I truly can’t understand why anyone would oppose two people in love being married. What does it matter who they are ? Love is love.
I believe it is a basic human right to be treated equally.
I have met many couples over the many years I have been a wedding photographer. I have photographed, worked with and know many same sex couples. I have photographed quite a few commitment ceremonies. It makes no sense to me that same sex couples can not be legally married. I believe firmly same sex couples deserve the same rights as me. Why discriminate against love? Some of the most loving, caring couples I have ever met, have been same sex couples and many of them would dearly love to be married.
I heard so many stories and desires to be treated equally whilst working on the Think About It Project  that launched in March.
(A bunch of young people share their stories. The eight attitudes associated with the Riddle scale of homophobia are drawn upon as the young people’s voices ‘emerge’, sharing their real life experiences (of loss & love, abuse and praise, hatred and hope, isolation and equality, vulnerability and strength), in the hope that the broader community will experience these short films, and then ‘think about it’). This project gives insight into who these individuals are and what is important to them. I heard things like ‘you can’t help who you fall in love with ….’ many times over. So true !
Please take a look at Jess and Emmi’s story
6.28 “I think people need to take a look at the bigger picture …… there are a lot of things going on in the world …. what does it matter if two girls go get married, if they get married, they get married, everyone is created equal and in 50 years when we look back at this, we will wonder why did all these people object to it? …..I think people need to think about the bigger picture …..” Emmi
9.02 “I waited until I was 25 years old to decide that I was alright telling everyone that I was with someone that made me very happy, anyone that loves anyone should be able to have the right to get married” Jess
Jess and Emmi’s Story – THINK ABOUT IT PROJECT from Liz Arcus Photography on Vimeo.
Take a look at Cris’ story
0.00 ” We all think the same, feel the same and desire the same thing in life “
3.12 “To me it’s more about the person, you can’t help who you fall in love with, you can’t help where the heart goes”
9.00 “Growing up it was my dream to get married and have kids and I don’t think just because of my sexuality that that should have to change….”
Cris’ story – THINK ABOUT IT PROJECT from Liz Arcus Photography on Vimeo.
Take a look at Georgie’s story
0.00 “You don’t choose who you love, you don’t choose who you fall in love with, it just happens”
8.30 “You come across people every day that don’t necessarily believe in gay marriage, but at the same time I was allowed to get married so I don’t see why I should stop you and I want to be able to say at the end of the day if I am in a long term relationship I may not choose to get married, BUT I have the choice to”
Georgie’s Story – THINK ABOUT IT PROJECT from Liz Arcus Photography on Vimeo.
And this film of Damien and Cris inspired me greatly. The love that is openly shared in these letters is so beautiful, open, honest and inspiring to all couples.
Damien and Cris – love letters from Liz Arcus Photography on Vimeo.
I support same sex marriage in Australia and all countries.
I very much look forward to the day that I can photograph legal same sex marriages . I look forward to the day when my friends can get married.”
Thank you for taking the time to read this and hopefully you got to watch some of the short films.
(I will do a full blog post on the Think About It Project in the not too distant future)
