Matters of sexuality and gender are indeed controversial, causing divides in religious, political, and social spheres. At times, even academic communities are subject to the grip of misinformation. At Soulforce Q, we firmly believe that open and honest discussion on these topics is the first step towards reconciliation. So, in 2006 thirty-four activists traveled by bus to nineteen schools and engaged students, faculty, and administrators in conversation about the destructive effects of labeling LGBT identities as immoral. And in 2007 two buses carried fifty young adults to thirty-four religious colleges and universities with the same goal of dialogue.

In just two years, the Equality Ride has become a national forum wherein discourse about diversity is beholden to truth. And now, the journey continues. This fall, another bus of young adults will ride to address the doctrinal roots of LGBT oppression and sow seeds of understanding. In some places they will visit, survival can mean enduring anything from harassment to codified discrimination. As the South has a distinct legacy of conservatism that further informs LGBT oppression, the 2008 Equality Ride will have its geographic focus there. This year we are widening the scope of the Ride to reach more denominations, seminaries, and faith-based Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

What we hope to experience at every school is a time of scholarly dialogue. In the past we have enjoyed meals and informal discussions with students in cafeterias and coffee shops, joined Bible studies, hosted workshops, given presentations, planned schoolwide panel discussions, and visited classrooms. Unfortunately, not every school chooses to participate. The need for dialogue is so urgent, however, we come to every planned school with a message of hope and peace. Voluntary redemptive suffering in the form of civil disobedience may become our avenue toward progress if, and only if, a school rejects dialogue.

Equality Riders, as we call participants, will come from all over* to embark on this nearly two month journey, departing from the nation’s capital. For six weeks in October and November, these revolutionaries will unite in the nonviolent pursuit of social justice. A movement in itself, the Ride is empowering a generation to challenge tradition and secure a brighter future for everyone.

_{* We encourage international residents to apply. We have had applicants from as far Alaska, Canada, and Eastern Europe.}

FAQ for Applicants    Apply for the 2008 Equality Ride

Resources for the Media   Donate to the Equality Ride

Media Coverage of the 2007 Equality Ride

There are two required on-site trainings for Equality Riders:

July 9 through July 15 in Minneapolis, Minnesota where Soulforce Q is based

September 24 through September 30 in Washington, DC

Scheduled conference calls and virtual training will begin once you are accepted as an Equality Rider.

The bus will travel throughout the South October 1 through November 20.

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. We welcome applicants with varying physical or sensory abilities and those who are gender non-conforming or unaffiliated with an academic institution. What we look for is a willingness to learn, to engage & to create.

Meet the 2008 Co-Directors   Meet the 2007 Riders    Meet the 2006 Riders

Student Stories

Endorsements of the Soulforce Q Equality Ride

The Freedom Ride Tradition

Equality Ride Site Map