News
Nov. 20 - Equality Ride Bus Rolls to a Stop, But Change Keeps Coming
Nov. 12 - Equality Riders Denied Entry to Baptist Church in Jackson, TN
Nov. 10 - "Locked Out of My Own School:" Equality Ride Visits Union University
Nov. 06 - Riders Sow Seeds of Change at Ouachita Baptist University
Nov. 05 - Statement from Soulforce Executive Director Jeff Lutes
The 2008 Equality Ride is on the Road!
Update: The Equality Riders returned to their homes and are doing activism from there.
Read our blog as we travel to 15 schools along our route from Oct. 1 - Nov. 13.
Watch Equality Ride videos from Columbia International University, Spelman and Morehouse, Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Simmons College of Kentucky and St. Stephen Church Photos page 1 | page 2
Union University Photos page 1 | page 2 | page 3
Ouachita Baptist University Photos | News Video
Election Day with The Center For Artistic Revolution in Little Rock, AR Photos
Central Baptist College Photos November 3 | Photos November 7
Southwestern Assemblies of God University Photos page 1 | page 2
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Photos page 1 page 2 | News Video
Dallas Baptist University Photos
Louisiana College Photos The Central Louisiana Food Bank photos
Mississippi College: Photos | News Video Vigil | News Video Arrest
Heritage Christian University: Photos | Press Release
Palm Beach Atlantic University: Photos | Press Release
Spelman College: Photos
Morehouse College: Photos
Columbia International University: Photos | Press Release
Liberty University: Photos | Video | Press Release
What is the Soulforce Q Equality Ride?
Every day, thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people suffer harassment, violence, and 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 these 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, comparing the effects of inclusive and exclusive viewpoints. 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 sexuality. Such discourse, especially when it affirms the beauty of our differences, 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 symposiums, we have joined students in cafeterias and coffee shops, participated in Bible studies and worship services, and given presentations in packed classrooms. Unfortunately, not every school chooses to host the Equality Ride. With the notable exceptions of Morehouse College and Spelman College, 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.
Who are the Equality Riders?
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, thirteen new activists have been added to the ranks. But, all together, a roster of seventeen young adults will be continuing the Equality Ride legacy in 2008.
Where is the 2008 Equality Ride going?
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 historically black colleges.
Departing from the Washington, D.C. area on October 1, we will travel throughout the South for six weeks, ending around November 20, 2008.
Why is the Equality Ride visting Spelman and Morehouse?
Currently, neither of these schools has a discriminatory policy or religious affiliation, and both are, in fact, quite progressive. With that, it should be noted that there will be no direct action or civil disobedience in relation to these stops. Our energy will be entirely devoted to peaceful dialogue with our peers. Additionally, any time on campus will be per the invitation of student organizations.
As Spelman and Morehouse do have origins and cultural connections with the Baptist church, conservative ideologies about gender and sexuality still carry significant weight. So, even with codified protections and administrative support, there are some individuals who do not embrace the position and practices of their college. Accordingly, creating and maintaining an environment where every student feels safe and affirmed is going to take ongoing conversation and education.
At the same time, we acknowledge the great strides Spelman and Morehouse have taken to ensure that lesbian, gay, and bisexual students feel welcome, and we hope to honor those efforts by continuing that work. Both colleges have a historical commitment to inclusion and equality, as well as a shared legacy of being at the forefront of social change. And, based on their merit as leaders, we believe other schools will be inspired by their willingness to have an active role in supporting all students.
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