A lot of the Gay blogosphere has ignored or ,at the very least, forgotten about the Soulforce Equality Riders. Mainly because this year there are two buses heading in seperate directions and thats a lot of queers to keep up with, even for us.
So we decided to check in and see what was goin on, who was getting arrested and what were they wearing when it happened.
Turns out 10 riders were arrested yesterday at Bethany Lutheran College.
from the soulforce press release
Over twenty supportive community members, including students from Minnesota State University, Mankato, joined the Riders in this peaceful action. Crowds of students gathered to watch as ten Equality Riders were arrested, while the remaining Riders, community members, and MSU students lined the curb and quietly sang a benediction: “Go now in peace; may the love of God surround you everywhere you go.”
Because who doesn’t love a little arresting music? Seriously though, I’m sure the riders got asked this all the time, but, why? Why try to talk to people who probably don’t want to hear what you have to say? Well it turns out, not everyone is so homo-hatin:
Prior to arrest, the Equality Riders spent two-and-a-half hours in silent vigil outside the campus gates. Bethany Lutheran students stopped by to shake hands, thank the Riders for being there, and ask questions. “I support what you are doing 100%,” said one Bethany Lutheran senior. An MSU student reiterated that support and added that, coming from a school that welcomed him as a gay man, he felt that it was especially important to stand in solidarity with those who were not welcomed in the same way.
Following the arrest, as many as fifty Bethany Lutheran students joined the Riders for conversations lasting up to two hours.
I guess those conversations plant the seed in which real change can begin to grow. Maybe it’s easy for me to cringe at being arrested as I sit behind my keyboard and type away, but I really do admire these guys/gals/trans for making a stand on the turf of people who teach hate.
Cheers for the Queers!~
Hi Zach… I left this comment in response to yours at my site…
“Zach… I wouldn’t go as far as to say that the blogosphere has ignored the Equality Ride this year. Pam Spaulding and PageOneQ have covered us intently. Also… many of the Riders have blogs (including me) and we have covered it extensively and we have been read by many people.
On the other hand, however, you are right: The blogosphere coverage of this year’s Ride is not nearly as big as it was last year – even though this year’s Ride was BIGGER and more dangerous (especially with my East Bus’ route through the Deep South).
Thanks for your concern and for keeping up with us… You’ve got a nice site by the way… we should link each other.
Matt”
Thanks dude.
You wanna link me? are you coming on to me?
You’re linked “dude”
Haha… You’re linked on my site now, too. I think I will take you up on the offer to post a little here. When I get some time, I’ll type something up and send it to you.
cool, just let me know
[...] today, I “met” (as in, talked to him online) Zach of The Gayly News. Zach had some pretty strong feelings on how he thought the Soulforce Equality Ride had been ignored by the blogosphere this year: A lot of the Gay blogosphere has ignored or ,at the very least, [...]