Hollywood stars pose as gay couples to stamp out homophobia

French photographer Olivier Ciappa has captured stunning images of straight celebrities posing as same-sex couples and families in order to spread a message of positivity while stamping out homophobic sentiments.

Inspired to make a statement against the homophobic attitudes Ciappa encountered worldwide, especially as France legalised gay marriage in 2013, Imaginary Coupes [Les Couples Imaginaires] has toured to galleries across the world to spread a positive message of equal love, the Huffington Post reports.

The black and white series features stars including Eva Longoria photographed alongside Lara Fabian, and Sicario director Denis Villenueve with Dallas Buyers Club director Jean-Marc Vallee, with the exhibition is reportedly now setting its sights on the United States in the coming months.

“The celebrities that I shot are heterosexual, but it was essential to me that you would believe these imaginary couples and families they portray were real,” said Ciappa.

“If you couldn’t identify with their love and feel it was real, then I would have failed. And to show that love is love, no matter who [is involved], the exhibition also features real gay families, straight ones, single parents, disabled, people of different skin colours and origins, different religion, young couples, old ones.

“All of these pictures, imaginary or real, have the same glamorous and warm monochrome style that makes them look not only appealing but timeless.”

You can see some images from Imaginary Couples below.