Larry Duncan and Randy Shepherd defy stereotypes in viral photo

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Larry Duncan, 56, and Randy Shepherd, 48, of North Bend, Washington were just one couple out of hundreds applying for marriage licenses in King County, Washington this week, after voters approved gay marriage in November's election. But one particular photo of Duncan and Shepherd, captured by photographer Meryl Schenker, tugged at the hearts of social media users and gay rights supporters.

Sporting thick beards and flannel shirts, Duncan and Shepherd presented an unlikely portrait of gay marriage equality in the United States. They were the kind of stereotype-challenging couple Schenker was looking for.

Schenker's caption read:

Duncan and Shepherd's photo has received nearly 15,000 shares on Facebook.

“I’ve been at this for 22 years and have never had a photo go viral,” Schenker told the Washington Post.