You May Also Like:
Image Credit: Soulforce, Taueret Manu, an Equality Rider from the Bronx, prepares literature for the stop at Liberty University
The 2010 Equality Ride is hitting the road and it’s seeking young adults ages 18-28 to be Riders!
What is the Equality Ride?
The equality ride is a traveling forum that gives young people a chance to deconstruct justice and allows emerging young leaders to unite in the struggle for common equality. According to the Association for Women’s Rights and Development, "Everyday thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning people suffer harassment, violence, and discrimination at the hands of those who do not understand them. The idea is this. We get on a bus and journey to various institutions of higher learning, many with explicit discrimination policies. 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. Guided by the principles of nonviolence, we set out ready to meet people where they are. 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.
Who is an Equality Rider?
An Equality Rider is a young adult, age 18 to 28, who recognizes that we must work with religious attitudes, challenging negative and discriminatory religious voices, if we are to reach reconciliation. A Rider may live anywhere in the world, come from any ethnic background, claim any gender identity or sexual orientation, 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.
So far, over 100 young adults have joined together as Equality Riders to challenge the religion based discrimination coming out of religious colleges and universities in the US. Will you join this tradition of nonviolent resistance and get on the 2010 Equality Ride?
Image Credit: Soulforce
When is the 2010 Equality Ride?
The 2010 Equality Ride will be on the road in the months of March and April, 2010, and includes a mandatory weeklong training in preparation for the ride the first week of January, 2010.
If you are ready to board the bus this spring and join the nonviolent struggle to end faith based discrimination of LGBTQ individuals, apply now. The deadline to apply is September 20th, 2009. Follow the link below for more information and an application: www.soulforce.org/equalityride
In solidarity,
The 2010 Equality Ride Team
So as you can see, if you’re feeling like a traveling activist, check out the opportunity! 
For more information, check out the website at: http://www.soulforce.org/equalityride
Amplify is a project of Advocates for Youth. Terms of Use. Disclaimer.
