Tom Hawkins | Portrait at Utah Valley University

Let's face it: Utah isn't the most liberal place in the world. Born and raised a Seattle boy, I think it is fair to say I am a tolerant, easy-going individual. Take that how you will... and imagine how it burns me when an assignment of this nature pops up in the budget.
One day, Tom Hawkins - a Utah Valley University student running for student government  - received a slew hateful email when the fact that he is gay became became public knowledge. The Daily Herald heard about the debacle and we arranged a portrait with Tom as a sort of rebuttal. Needless to say, Hawkins was a shy yet engaging young man to photograph in the UVU library for part of the afternoon. I wish him the best in the wake of the news and in the elections. Enjoy the result of a fun portrait with an underlying message.