Every day, thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people suffer harassment, violence, and blatant discrimination at the hands of those who do not understand them. This oppression usually hides in plain sight, masquerading as rigid doctrine or timeless tradition. Consequently, it often goes unchallenged and unchanged. Guided by principles of nonviolence, we at Soulforce Q approach controversial issues with a readiness to meet people where they are. It is our belief that open and honest discussion begets understanding and healing, and that philosophy is at the heart of our work.

The Equality Ride is a traveling forum that gives young adults the chance to deconstruct injustice and the rhetoric that sustains it. It allows emerging young leaders to unite in the struggle for common equality. The idea is this. We get on a bus and journey to various institutions of higher learning. Through informal conversation and educational programming we explore concepts of diversity, weighing the effects of both inclusive and exclusive ideologies. More practically, we share and gain insights about how our beliefs influence policy and culture, thereby impacting society. Our goal is to carefully and collectively examine the intersection wherein faith meets gender and human sexuality. Such discourse, especially that which affirms difference, plays an essential role in creating a safe learning and living environment for everyone.

Thus far, the Equality Ride has engaged more than fifty academic communities. Most have shown considerable hospitality in welcoming us, and our legacy at those schools is one of mutual growth and compassionate fellowship. In addition to panels and schoolwide forums, we have joined students in cafeterias and coffee shops, participated in Bible studies, and given presentations in packed classrooms. Unfortunately, not every school chooses to host the Equality Ride. Voluntary redemptive suffering in the form of civil disobedience may become our avenue towards progress if, and only if, a school ignores the urgency and rejects dialogue.

A Movement in itself, the Equality Ride is empowering future generations to put their faith in action and make social justice a reality.

Resources for the Media   Donate to the Equality Ride

Media Coverage of the 2007 Equality Ride

An Equality Rider is a young adult, age 18 to 28, who recognizes that we must work with religious attitudes if we are to reach reconciliation. A Rider may live anywhere, come from any ethnic background, and may or may not identify as a person of faith. They understand the value of meeting people where they are and that the process towards peace and liberation begins with a conversation, not hostility. What we look for is a willingness to learn, to engage, and to create. This year, fourteen new activists have been added to the ranks. But, all together, a roster of eighteen young adults will be continuing the Equality Ride legacy in 2008.

Meet the 2008 Co-Directors

Meet the 2008 Riders

Meet the 2007 Riders

Meet the 2006 Riders

We are seeking earnest discussion at fifteen schools in the southern United States. That focus is born of the recognition that there is a distinct legacy of conservatism in the South that further informs prejudice.

This fall, we are also reaching out to a wider range of institutions. The lineup includes more denominations, seminaries, and several faith-based historically black colleges and universities.

Departing from the Washington, D.C. area on October 1, we will travel throughout the South for six weeks, ending around November 20, 2008.

The complete list of schools being visited will be published later in August.

Student Stories

Endorsements of the Soulforce Q Equality Ride

The Freedom Ride Tradition

Equality Ride Site Map