A Brave Cop Turned the Westboro Baptist Church's Hate Into an Inspiring Kodak Moment

Talk about killing them with kindness. 

It doesn't take a lot to set off the infamous Westboro Baptist Church protesters. Although rage is the infamous organization's modus operandi, the reason behind their latest public outburst is just too satisfying to overlook.

This photo was taken during Washington, D.C.'s gay pride parade over the weekend. The WBC showed up to protest the annual celebration of love and acceptance, which afforded one couple an opportunity too beautiful to pass up. 

Image Credit: Twitter

According to the Gaily Grind, officer D.J. Stalter is a member of the Arlington County Police Department. His boyfriend, Mark Raimondo, is a self-described "Oreo addict" and bootcamp instuctor.

They decided to stage the inspiring photo in order to highlight the powerful way that love can overcome hate. The couple "wanted to show everyone that you should be proud of who you are regardless what some people think," they told the Gaily Grind.

Although most people in the crowd celebrated the kiss, not everyone was pleased.

But the WBC and its hate-mongering supporters, thankfully, remain solidly in the minority. A different version of the photo, posted to Raimondo's Instagram, has so far garnered more than 1,400 likes from enthusiastic supporters.

Image Credit: Instagram

The wonderful viral moment aside, D.C.'s parade was historic for another reason, as it was the first time a U.S. military color guard was included in the event, walking alongside rainbow flags. According to the Daily Grind, "[t]he color guard carried the American flag and flags of each military branch. Capital Pride organizers had requested color guards in the past but were rejected every time."

A quick glance through pictures of the event makes it hard to believe that only a few days ago, Rick Perry thought it would be acceptable to compare gay marriage to alcoholism. Progress is like a wave: It comes slowly. Thankfully, many are committed to accelerating that change for us all.