What Does Love Look Like? — A Loving Day Reflection
June 12th marks Loving Day, the anniversary of Loving v. Virginia, the landmark 1967 Supreme Court decision that struck down bans on interracial marriage across the United States. More than 50 years later, Loving Day continues to serve as a quiet but profound reminder: love is a freedom that belongs to everyone.
For many of us, it's easy to forget how recently these rights were won—or how fragile they can be. Loving Day calls us to remember not only the bravery of Mildred and Richard Loving, but also the ongoing work of protecting inclusion, dignity, and the right to love freely.
The Love Is Real Project
This year, to honor Loving Day, we launched a small public art experiment here in Portland called The Love Is Real Project. Throughout the month of June, we’ve placed posters around the city inviting people to pause and reflect:
What does love look like to you?
The idea is simple: scan the QR code to share a photo, write a note, or read what others have shared. Some people upload memories. Others leave affirmations or private dedications. Many simply stop, reflect, and carry the question with them for the rest of their day.
In times when so much feels divided, even a brief moment of shared reflection can help us feel a little more connected to our neighbors and communities.
How Liveframe Began
For me personally, this project carries a special meaning.
My partner and I chose Valentine’s Day for our wedding—a day that felt fitting for what we hoped to celebrate. But like many couples who married during the pandemic, we faced hard choices. Travel restrictions and health concerns meant many of our loved ones couldn’t be physically present.
That challenge ultimately became the seed for Liveframe. What started as a simple way to share photos and moments with friends and family across distance has grown into a tool for events, celebrations, and shared spaces of all kinds. Whether it's a wedding, a birthday, or even a small community project like this one, Liveframe exists to help people stay connected.
Love Is a Freedom We Safeguard
At its core, Loving Day is not only about history. It's about the daily, ongoing practice of choosing love—in all its forms—as something worth defending, nurturing, and celebrating.
This month, as part of The Love Is Real Project, we're offering Liveframe freely to anyone who wants to hold space for joy, connection, and community—even in uncertain times. If you're hosting an event, gathering, or moment where love is being honored, you're welcome to use Liveframe to help bring people together.
Love is more than a feeling.
It’s a freedom we safeguard.
It’s a choice we make, together.
May we continue to celebrate it—today and every day.
If you'd like to share what love looks like to you, scan one of the posters in Portland this month or create your own Liveframe.
