New England Patriots Bret Lockett has
posed for the NOH8
Campaign, which raises awareness and funds for gay rights causes,
including ending California's 2008 voter-approved gay marriage ban,
Proposition 8.
The NOH8 Campaign, which is helmed by
photographer-activist Adam Bouska and his partner Jeff Parshley,
photographs celebrities and everyday folks with their mouths duct
taped and the campaign's familiar “NOH8” slogan often written on
one cheek.
In his photograph, the 24-year-old
Lockett poses in a white short-sleeve t-shirt, exposing several
tattoos on his forearm, and holding a football.
In
remarks to the website Outsports.com, Lockett said he wanted to
be part of the NOH8 Campaign because he was bullied in school.
“It's a sad thing,” he said. “And
it's not just being gay. There are kids who kill themselves for
being a nerd or being fat. There's not enough support in life today.
We need to start lifting people up instead of trying to bring them
down.”
And on the issue of gay marriage:
“They definitely think they should have the right to marry.
They're not affecting anybody else. I know it bothers some people to
see two people of the same sex together, but you shouldn't deny them
the chance to become one and get married. There are a lot of people
who will never find a mate, gay or straight. I don't knock it.”
Lockett is not the first NFL athlete to
pose for the campaign. Last month, Carolina
Panthers linebacker Nic Harris joined the campaign. New York
Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie and Arizona Cardinals linebacker
Isaac Keys have, as well.
Former NFL defensive lineman Esera
Tavai Tuaolo, who announced in 2002 that he's gay on HBO's Real
Sports, also
recently posed.
The
campaign received a huge boost in January when NCIS
star Pauley Perrette wore a strapless dress that featured the NOH8
Campaign's logo to the People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles.