NO Room for H8, by David D.

I was born an illegitimate child over 45 years ago as a result of a rape that my mom endured with a man 13 years her senior during the infamous and horrific Vietnam War. At the time, my mom - the eldest of 12 children - was forced to have an abortion as there is no such thing as an unwedded, Catholic, and pregnant Vietnamese woman in my culture. At the very least, this would mar the family name of a lieutenant colonel. Thankfully, my mom chose to be disowned by her own parents and had me but then quickly had to place in a foster home for six months. After realizing that she could not endure the pain and loss of her newborn child, my mom decided to take me out of the foster home to be reunited with her.

When I was in middle school, my mom shared with me that she was verbally and physically scolded and abused by her own parents when she was pregnant with me. This was an example of hate (H8).

When my maternal grandparents decided to take my mom back, I was gravely mistreated by them. These emotional scars continue to haunt me today. This was an example of hate (H8).

During my college years, I had to cope with the coming out process while balancing my family and religious values. This process was an example of hate (H8). To top things off, I contracted the HIV virus eight (8) years ago and had to endure the H8 and discrimination that continue to overshadow this phenomenon. Again, was and is an example of hate (H8).

Fast forward to this decade, I continue to be amazed by the progress that our generation has accomplished. The NOH8 Campaign is one of the numerous aforementioned accomplishments. I have been following and tracking the progress made by the NOH8 Campaign created by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska and partner Jeff Parshley in direct response to the passage of Proposition 8 in California. I am happy and fortunate enough to have the opportunity to participate in this landmark milestone.

Thank you for the opportunity to BE HEARD.

~ David Doan - Survivor of H8