I have been working with a photography studio in Brooklyn, New York City for some years. Every time I need prints, albums, etc. I go with them.
On Tuesday, August 9th 2011, I went to the studio (I am not going to mention the name of the business. They are not getting free publicity from me) and asked the person working there to work on 3 of my same sex couple pictures. He looked at the photos and went to speak with his boss.
His boss came and looked at the pictures and asked me, “how can you take these pictures?” (meaning they are two guys kissing). I asked him, “what do you mean, how can I take these pictures?” He kept looking at the pictures like there was something wrong with them. I took the pictures on the couple wedding reception.
I added, “They just got married. Same sex marriage is legal in New York State now.” He said, “he (the employee) doesn’t want to do it.” “But that is illegal. You can not refuse to do it. You can be sued,” I replayed.
Again, I know these people for around 3-4 years. I never thought they were homophobic. I was really disappointed. I was offended.
I asked him, “who is the boss?” He said, “I am.” I said, “and your employee tells you what to do?” I added, “it’s OK. You do not need to do it but I am not coming back to this business.”
He asked me, “can you come tomorrow?” “But he is not going to do it”, I responded. He said, “my son will do it”.
While we were talking, he was looking at the pictures (they were digital photos). He was moving them. Looking at the other people around the couple. It was very uncomfortable.
I told him, “homophobia has to stop. You do not have to work on my pictures. I can ask somebody else but I am not coming to this business anymore. ”
If they were different sex couple photos, I would not need to wait until the next day. What if the next day, for some reason, his son could not come?
According to the Marriage Equality law in New York State, businesses CAN NOT discriminate against same sex couple. It’s illegal.
What people in New York State think about the legalization of same-sex marriage?
8/10/2011: Majority Supports Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage…63% Want Law to Remain in Place.