Voices4 does not slow down. The non-violent and direct action advocacy group that has launched protests, organized marches, and become a powerhouse voice for activism in New York is hitting the streets once again but, this time, they're doing it with a twist: a kiss.
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On Sunday, February 11th at 1PM, Voices4 will gather in front of the Uzbekistan Consulate at 801 Second Avenue in partnership with fellow advocacy group RUSA LGBT for a good, old-fashioned "kiss in," so please bring lip balm. Just in time for Valentine's Day, the "kiss in" will serve as a "defiant counterpoint to the oppression faced by the global queer community," especially in the wake of mounting hate crimes against LGBTQIA+ people in Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan.
This particular form of protest isn't just a way to plan an early date for V-Day, though. The "kiss-in" has been around for 45 years and served as potent form of protest used to highlight a wide range of gay rights issues, from basic freedom of expression to same-sex marriage equality.
"The actions against LGBTQIA+ people taken by the Governments of these countries are violating all international human rights statutes, laws, and declarations, and the governments must be held accountable for their unjust and inhumane policies," Voices4 explained.
If you can't make it to Sunday's protest with a partner to kiss, don't feel discouraged. Whether you can make it or not, you can help right now by posting one of the iconic kissing photos and/or IG story photos below with the event details and directing your followers to the Voices4 page. We'll see you on Sunday with our favorite Fenty Beauty gloss on.
Join @Voices4_ and @rusalgbt for a kiss-in and rally to protest LGBTQIA+ violence in Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan on Sunday, Feb 11 at 801 Second Ave from 1-2PM. For more details, check out the event page.
Photography: William Hamon
Photography: William Hamon
Photography: Gerald Hannon
Photography: Gerald Hannon
