/// PHOTO BY MICHAEL THOMPSON
JASON DOTTLEY’S LATEST MUSIC VIDEO FEATURES IMAGES OF COUPLES FROM AROUND THE WORLD, LAUGHING, CRYING, GETTING MARRIED, HOLDING EACH OTHER AND SIMPLY ENJOYING BEING IN LOVE. DOTTLEY HOPES THE IMAGES WILL SHINE A LIGHT ON THE BEAUTY OF LOVE. “THE LOVE STORY PROJECT IS MY ATTEMPT TO HELP PEOPLE SEE PEOPLE AS PEOPLE, AND NOT IDEAS,” HE EXPLAINS.“AND TO EMPHASIZE THAT THE FIGHT FOR EQUALITY IS NOT JUST AN AMERICAN BUT A GLOBAL FIGHT.”
He first conceived the idea for The Love Story Project while listening to an early demo of the track that would become the single. “It sparked a light in me that called me to take action,but as someone who has never been one for war, I didn’t know what to do. Then I thought, why not fight for love with love?”
The young star of TV’s “Sordid Lives” has long been a fighter for gay marriage rights. When he was married to Del Shores,the pair were early poster boys of the gay marriage movement. Sadly, they divorced last year. But that hasn’t discouraged
Dottley from finding love again. In fact, he’s eager to embark onthe next chapter of his own love story.
Is Love Story your mostambitious project yet?
It doesn’t feel ambitious. It feelsnecessary. It feels like a willing obligation. The fight isn’t over just because the Grammys married 34 couples.
What are you trying to conveywith The Love Story Project?
It’s important to me that people stop hating and learn to love and accept our brothers and sisters.
What was it like to be the posterboy of gay marriage?
I feel honored to be able to have my life be an example. On the flip side, I wish there was no need for a poster boy.
Did it add extra pressure to your relationship?
Certainly. You don’t want to let people down.
You were so public about your marriage, but no so about your divorce. Why?
I didn’t want to be. I was in Florida taking care of my grandmother as she battled lung cancer at 87, sleepingin the same room with her for nearly four months. I was going to chemo and radiation treatments. Discussing my divorce with strangers was the last thing on my agenda.
Was it hard to find love again after divorce?
I haven’t found it dificult. Love is everywhere. If you existin a place of love, then lovesurrounds you.
Where are you today?
I’m living in NYC, in the financial district with two of the most amazing guys on the planet. We are all going to hit the road together soon.
Are you ready to begin a new love story?
Yes, a very serious one withmyself.
Download Jason Dottley’s
LOVE STORY
on iTunes!
