Lesbian photographer denied work because ‘children shouldn’t be influenced to be gay’
A lesbian photographer has been fired by a customer who didn’t want her child “to think that being gay is OK”.
Faith Grace, 21, was asked by a pregnant mother to take maternity photos of her – only to have the offer torn up once her sexuality was revealed.
The photographer from Mobile, Alabama, posted photos of their interaction on Twitter, which have gone viral as supporters have registered their outrage.
The prospective customer texted Faith over the weekend to say: “This is McKenna from last night. I was reaching out to you about maternity photos!
“I went through your personal Instagram account to get your photography business account and on your personal pad I saw that you had a pride flag.
“Are you gay or do you have family that’s gay?”
Responding to this with fairness and without making assumptions about the strange enquiry, Faith wrote: “Hey McKenna! Thanks for reaching out.
“Nobody in my fam is gay but I am – that’s why I have it on my account.”
And that’s when the mother revealed her true colours.
“I see, OK well don’t worry about the photos then,” she wrote.
“I don’t want someone who’s gay to take my pictures. It’s just not right.
“I’m against it and the last thing I need is to allow my 5 year old child to think that being gay is OK/right because I don’t want them to be influenced by people like you.
“I’m sorry that you think that this lifestyle is OK and acceptable,” McKenna added.
“Take care, Faith.”
In response, Faith posted the conversation on Twitter – with a message.
“A lady texted me asking to take her maternity photos then she decided to find another photographer because I’m gay.
“RT & share this to show people that hatred & discrimination still exists & it NEEDS to stop.
“This breaks my heart,” she added.
And people did just that.
In fact, her fans posted it so much that they surprised even Faith.
She tweeted: “OKAY HOLY WOW.
“I just woke up & my Twitter was flooded with nothing but love & support over that picture I posted yesterday.
“I wasn’t expecting it to go viral — to everyone that’s been supporting this & people who have dealt with hate & discrimination, THANK YOU!! Xoxo -Faith”.
One fan told her that “this is so sad and gross.”
Another said: “This genuinely made me so f***ing angry WHY ARE PEOPLE SO TERRIBLE”.
A supporter wrote: “Much love to you!! she doesn’t deserve your amazing photography skills anyway “.
And another person told her: “Take my wedding photos, the gayer the better. ”
Faith even classily dismissed the hate towards McKenna, saying to one of her well-wishers called Georgina: “I hope that her children grow to love UNCONDITIONALLY unlike their mom.
“I hope she has a change of heart. There’s always hope, Georgina ❤️”.
And she showed how much appreciated all the love, saying: “To everyone who’s messaged me regarding that photo, y’all rock. I promise I’m trying my hardest to reply to all of you… I just woke up from a 4 hour nap “.
“Thanks again for such awesome encouragement & support to those who have faced the same or similar thing! ❤️”
On her personal site, Faith writes: “My goal is to capture and show the stories of people, no matter how big or how small.”
She adds: “Bringing out the person’s true self through photography is something that I will always adore.”
Here’s hoping she gets plenty more chances to do so.
