A PREGNANT woman who is “having a lesbian” stars in a provocative new billboard to promote marriage equality.
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays spokeswoman Shelley Argent said the campaign was designed to garner support from mainstream families for marriage equality, on the grounds that gay children were “born that way”.
“Being lesbian or gay is not a choice,” she said.
“It’s got nothing to do with culture or parenting skills.
“It’s just the way you are. You’re born that way.”
The billboard shows a smiling woman baring her pregnant belly, with the slogan, “Congratulations, you’re having a lesbian”.
Billboard giant GOA has donated space for the ads, worth up to $60,000, in Queensland.
GOA managing director Chris Tyquin said he would ask interstate billboard companies to donate space as well.
“I’ve got very close friends who have got children who are gay,” he said.
“If you have a child who walks in and tells you they’re gay, you’d still love them just as much as you did before.”
The campaign is the brainchild of Steve Minon, a freelance advertising creative director from Brisbane, who donated his time.
“It is designed to get people thinking, and challenge them a little,” he said.
“We’re trying to point out to any family that marriage equality can be your number one priority, without your knowing about it.”
The billboard is accompanied by a YouTube video – “What R U having?” – featuring a woman having an ultrasound.
“You’re having a lesbian!” the doctor tells the overjoyed parents.
The campaign’s theme is that “any child can be born gay.”
Author: Natasha Bita
Publication: News Limited Network
Publication Date: 7 June 2013