CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – An Iowa photographer said she’s combating hate with love.

A city crew painted a rainbow crosswalk in Czech Village at the end of May. That rainbow prompted homophobic comments online.

After seeing the online comments, photographer Jen Stillions came up with a project to take free pictures at the crosswalk of anyone in the Cedar Rapids LGBTQ community.

“I saw the Czech Village post about—with a picture of the rainbow, and I was really excited to see that. I used to live in Czech Village. And then I started reading the comments,” said Stillions.

“A couple of them stopped me in my tracks,” she added. “There was one with four rainbows making up a swastika. And I felt like throwing up.”

Stillions said she had two options.

“I could either go keyboard warrior and fight with every single one of them. Or I could use that hatred to fuel my own love. And so that’s why I’m doing this.”

Stillions put out a call on her own Facebook page saying she’d post up for a few hours at the intersection Wednesday afternoon and take free pictures for anyone in the Cedar Rapids LGBTQ community.

And the community showed up.

“A beautiful little rainbow that was painted is just the perfect way to celebrate,” said Sam Drish, who came to get his picture taken.

“We are here. We’re not going anywhere. We’ve been here and now more than ever, we need to stand up show up and be present,” he added.

“I just want them to know that they’re loved,” said Stillions.

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