Chad Hardy began making headlines around the world with his thought-provoking Men on a Mission Calendar in late 2007. Two years later, he continues to heat up newsstands with his latest project Hot Mormon Muffins: A Taste of Motherhood.
Hardy's vision of the tongue-in-cheek project involves a much deeper story than the eye-candy; one that can reshape perceptions, heighten awareness, and perhaps encourage and inspire a broadened acceptance of human and religious diversity.
Hardy's project has proven to be a powerful progressive step in building a dialogue that encourages people across every belief system and walk of life to defy stereotypes, step out of judgment and embrace tolerance over fear.
With the Mormon Church's heavy involvement in the politically charged agenda targeted at discriminating gays and dividing families in California and throughout the country, this is certainly timely. The hate mail from the Mormon community is shocking.
Having come from a sixth-generation Mormon family, lived in Utah for 8 years, and served a 2-year religious mission himself, Hardy has an in-depth understanding of the LDS church and its devotees. Hardy set out on a mission to "open shirts, open minds" by showcasing individuality within one of the most conservative religions as a medium to build bridges that separate humanity based on religious and cultural intolerance.
Hardy's bold move not only cost him his place in the Mormon Church, but ha also cost him his BA degree in Communications Studies at Mormon-owned Brigham Young University.
Hardy's excommunication from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was an attempt to silence him because of his project. And now the continued blow with his revoked degree has given him more reason and conviction to encourage people of every belief system to take a stand for what they believe in to let their own voice be heard and live with the powerful consequences without fear.
Hardy believes that change does not happen until the status quo is challenged. Hopefully others will follow to shine the light of accountability on the intolerance and abuse that exists in our world in the name of God.
In the meantime - smile, laugh and enjoy the goodness of life. God definitely has a sense of humor - embrace it... and be happy!