Hey Friends, below is the e-mail from Soulforce about the Equality Ride. I thought I'd share it here.
Climb on Board
Gearing up for the Ride!
Last week, an inspiring group of 21 young justice-seekers descended upon Austin, Texas, to train for a journey. They are this year’s Equality Riders, and they have just spent 8 days preparing for the work ahead of them.
Equality Ride Training a success!
The 2010 Equality Ride’s first training was successful by all measures! The week was jam-packed. The group participated in―and some chose to lead―workshops on everything from planning a direct action, systems of oppression, transgender identities, anti-racism and anti-racist organizing, scriptural analysis, stop-planning, nonviolence, disability and ableism, working with the media, and more.
They sharply brainstormed innovative ways to work with students, administrators, and community members towards sustainable, progressive, and significant change this spring and beyond.
Though the week was busy with learning, there was also time for Riders to build a cohesive and supportive group. Tight bonds were formed that will sustain them during their two months on the road.
The 2010 Team
Hailing from across the country, and one from Cyprus, the 2010 team brings a multitude of unique experiences and backgrounds, bound by a common desire to make campuses and communities safe, welcoming and affirming for people of all identities. You can meet the Riders here: www.soulforce.org/2010riders.
During training, the Riders signed up for their roles as stop-planners, each with the responsibility of coordinating one of the 17 locations on our itinerary. Back at home now, they are eagerly making preparations for the road ahead.
The Route
We are stopping at 16 campuses in the Northeast, South, and Midwest, all with policies that are discriminatory to LGBTQ students. Many of the schools, while recognizing that there are places where we do not agree, have extended their welcome to us. We are hopeful that this spring will offer many opportunities to share ourselves and our stories with students, faculty, and administrators. You can view the full route here.
We are placing a special focus on community work this year, and are hoping to engage not just with the campuses we visit, but with the communities they live in. This means partnering with communities in volunteer work, hosting activism/organizing forums, linking students with community members, and offering our support for the justice work that is already happening in the places we are visiting.
Help us Blaze a Trail for Justice
The Riders will have one more opportunity to train at the end of February, and will board the bus on March 4th. But they need your support! We would like to be greeted by affirming community members along the way. If you or a friend live in one of the areas along our route, and might be interested in volunteering with us, hosting an event, participating in a potluck, or anything else, please get in touch with the Rider coordinating that stop, or one of the Ride’s co-directors soon. Being in touch with supportive community members is vital to planning a successful Equality Ride stop!
Each Rider, in addition to planning their community and school stop for the Ride, is working really hard to meet their $3,500 fundraising goal. The Rider donations are a vital part of the overall funding for the Ride. If every Rider meets their goal, we’ll raise nearly half of the budget. Were it not for the generosity of Soulforce supporters in 2008, the Ride literally would not have happened. If you’d like to be a part of the 2010 Equality Ride as a sponsor, you can sponsor a Rider directly through their pages and help them make the Equality Ride a success this spring!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
The story of my Faith
I remember back in first grade having devotions to start the day and accepting Jesus in my heart. I have a Christian family. Went to all Christian schools, even preschool. I went to church every Sunday with my family. I remember in 8th grade see my faith taking on a more personal meaning because I made decisions based on my faith. In high school I lead several well attended prayer groups, went to Young Life, went to Bible studies and led Bible studies, attended my church's youth group, volunteered at church events and so on. My faith through the years grew stronger and stronger.
My freshman year in college I battled a strong bout of depression. I really struggled with my faith that year, I could not shake my depression and I wondered where God was? I was hospitalized for my depression the day after spring break and through hard work I had some wonderful recovery. I had struggled with some major self-esteem issues and for the first time in probably 5 years and I heard and believed someone when they told me I was beautiful and had worth. Around this same time, God and I started doing a bit better again.
Sophomore year was another hard year for my faith. Unexpectedly, on February 6, 2005, my big "brother" Alan passed away. He had a heart that was too big and it stopped in the middle of a swim meet. He was young, only 34, years old. His death rocked my world. Although he was not my literal brother he was a part of my family. I was a mess. I was also angry at God.
Junior year I moved into the Calvin apartments. I got connected into a prayer group in my apartment building. It was amazing. My faith was growing strong again. I started worshiping at Vineyard North and my faith was growing so strong. I heard a speaker at a 24 hour prayer event and it changed my faith life drastically. I was praying everyday for an hour a day and reading my Bible everyday. I was on fire for God. Move me into my senior year (well, my first one) and this faith life continued. I was super involved with my church. Attended every week, went to retreats, worked in the nursery, attended a dynamic charismatic home group. This home group made up my best friends. Life with God was good.
Then that spring it was time for another big change. The Soulforce Equality Ride came to Calvin. I was so excited. I always thought of myself as an ally to gay people (ha and look, turns out I'm queer myself...bahaha) but I didn't didn't know how to vocalize it. I know after the Equality Ride stopped at my school that I could be vocal. So armed with enthusiasm, I wore a button to my next homegroup meeting. It had a rainbow on it and said hate free zone. A few funny comments were made but that was that, I didn't think it would change anything. But it did. I got one super nasty e-mail from one person about how I was the child of the devil and then I never heard from anyone else. No returned phone calls or e-mails from anyone. I was not kicked out from my church but the message was loud and clear. I was not welcome.
I kept my relationship with God but my relationship with church fell apart. I began questioning my sexuality at this same time. I had this realization that although God loved me, Christians would not. I didn't not want to go find a new church because I did not want to hide who I was. I also felt that if I was honest, I would not be welcomed. Christmas 2007 another traumatic life event happened. It shock my life in a way I cannot describe (nor do I want to online). This event destroyed my perception of safety. I to this day wonder where God was. I feel like ze left me when I needed hir the most. How could this God that "loves me" let this happen? I to this day feel betrayed by God. I feel abandoned by hir and I am angry. still.
I still feel angry and abandoned but something is stirring in me. Since this summer I have been on some kind of path towards healing with my higher power. I am trying to figure this out. I don't know what I believe anymore, I am an...agnostic for Jesus? I have so many questions about the Christian faith I'm trying to work out but maybe that'll be me again some day. I am really happy Soulforce is a faith based organization with Christian tendencies. I have been blessed by E-Riders who are Christians. I was blessed by the Bible training part. I feel like something with in me is pulling me to find a relationship with my Higher Power again. I hope that I can find out who God is to me again while on the ride.
I went to church today. I often don't go. I'm still afraid of the reactions I'll get from people if they know the real me, the queer me. I was at something a while ago at Church and a lady who had friended me on facebook a few weeks ealier, asked about my girlfriend. I thought, maybe I can come here. I went back today. My pastor said she's giving to my ride (you can too at www.soulforce.org/kimmy_devries) Maybe there is a space for me there too...
If you're into the praying thing, I'd love it if you pray that through all the negative messages I receive about how my God loves me, I hear 20 times that in posotive messages about God. I am worried that while on this trip I will lose the little faith I have left.
Love to you all,
Kimmy
My freshman year in college I battled a strong bout of depression. I really struggled with my faith that year, I could not shake my depression and I wondered where God was? I was hospitalized for my depression the day after spring break and through hard work I had some wonderful recovery. I had struggled with some major self-esteem issues and for the first time in probably 5 years and I heard and believed someone when they told me I was beautiful and had worth. Around this same time, God and I started doing a bit better again.
Sophomore year was another hard year for my faith. Unexpectedly, on February 6, 2005, my big "brother" Alan passed away. He had a heart that was too big and it stopped in the middle of a swim meet. He was young, only 34, years old. His death rocked my world. Although he was not my literal brother he was a part of my family. I was a mess. I was also angry at God.
Junior year I moved into the Calvin apartments. I got connected into a prayer group in my apartment building. It was amazing. My faith was growing strong again. I started worshiping at Vineyard North and my faith was growing so strong. I heard a speaker at a 24 hour prayer event and it changed my faith life drastically. I was praying everyday for an hour a day and reading my Bible everyday. I was on fire for God. Move me into my senior year (well, my first one) and this faith life continued. I was super involved with my church. Attended every week, went to retreats, worked in the nursery, attended a dynamic charismatic home group. This home group made up my best friends. Life with God was good.
Then that spring it was time for another big change. The Soulforce Equality Ride came to Calvin. I was so excited. I always thought of myself as an ally to gay people (ha and look, turns out I'm queer myself...bahaha) but I didn't didn't know how to vocalize it. I know after the Equality Ride stopped at my school that I could be vocal. So armed with enthusiasm, I wore a button to my next homegroup meeting. It had a rainbow on it and said hate free zone. A few funny comments were made but that was that, I didn't think it would change anything. But it did. I got one super nasty e-mail from one person about how I was the child of the devil and then I never heard from anyone else. No returned phone calls or e-mails from anyone. I was not kicked out from my church but the message was loud and clear. I was not welcome.
I kept my relationship with God but my relationship with church fell apart. I began questioning my sexuality at this same time. I had this realization that although God loved me, Christians would not. I didn't not want to go find a new church because I did not want to hide who I was. I also felt that if I was honest, I would not be welcomed. Christmas 2007 another traumatic life event happened. It shock my life in a way I cannot describe (nor do I want to online). This event destroyed my perception of safety. I to this day wonder where God was. I feel like ze left me when I needed hir the most. How could this God that "loves me" let this happen? I to this day feel betrayed by God. I feel abandoned by hir and I am angry. still.
I still feel angry and abandoned but something is stirring in me. Since this summer I have been on some kind of path towards healing with my higher power. I am trying to figure this out. I don't know what I believe anymore, I am an...agnostic for Jesus? I have so many questions about the Christian faith I'm trying to work out but maybe that'll be me again some day. I am really happy Soulforce is a faith based organization with Christian tendencies. I have been blessed by E-Riders who are Christians. I was blessed by the Bible training part. I feel like something with in me is pulling me to find a relationship with my Higher Power again. I hope that I can find out who God is to me again while on the ride.
I went to church today. I often don't go. I'm still afraid of the reactions I'll get from people if they know the real me, the queer me. I was at something a while ago at Church and a lady who had friended me on facebook a few weeks ealier, asked about my girlfriend. I thought, maybe I can come here. I went back today. My pastor said she's giving to my ride (you can too at www.soulforce.org/kimmy_devries) Maybe there is a space for me there too...
If you're into the praying thing, I'd love it if you pray that through all the negative messages I receive about how my God loves me, I hear 20 times that in posotive messages about God. I am worried that while on this trip I will lose the little faith I have left.
Love to you all,
Kimmy
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Equality Ride Training
This summer I went to Soulforce Q Camp. I was selected to go so I could learn to do work within my community even better. My plans for the community work I was going to go has been delayed until further notice but the training did not go to waste. I learned so much at Q Camp. The camp's training focused on Racism and other forms of oppression. We also learned about non-violent activism, community planning, fund raising, and religious analysis. All this training will prove helpful for the Equality Ride.
Of course, the Equality Ride is providing training too. I got back this week from the first round of training. It was held January 5 - 13. Although I now feel slightly terrified about all that is to come, I also know this is what I am meant to be at this point in time. The Equality Ride Training was so many things to me.
The Equality Ride Training was people. I finally got to meet the people I'd be riding with face-to-face. My fellow Equality Riders are even better in person then on facebook or the soulforce blurbs could ever show them to be. (Check out the other riders at: www.soulforce.org/2010riders) I know that the people I'll be riding with are going to be friends that will be important and cherished for the rest of my life. I have already leaned so much from the other riders and the leaders. I cannot wait to see how I will grow and how we will grow together!
The Equality Ride Training was God and the Bible. Micah and Brian, two former Equality Riders came and taught "Bible bootcamp." The first day was so nice, we basically did a Bible study together for several hours. It was the first time in years that I remembered why I called myself a Christian for so many years. I am really excited that we will have bible studies on the ride. We also worked on preparing ourselves for questions that students will ask us about the Bible and being queer.
The Equality Ride Training was Anti-oppression. The queer movement has often been a racist and classist movement. Soulforce Q works to make sure that the work were doing benefits all people. We did readings on different forms of oppression, activities, lectures and discussions. I have been learning so much and I am realizing more and more that I have so much to learn. Also, all the learning I can do is never going to be the same as walking in the shoes of those being oppressed. I must continue to learn and work to end oppression for all.
The Equality Ride Training was an amazing start to journey only just begun.
Of course, the Equality Ride is providing training too. I got back this week from the first round of training. It was held January 5 - 13. Although I now feel slightly terrified about all that is to come, I also know this is what I am meant to be at this point in time. The Equality Ride Training was so many things to me.
The Equality Ride Training was people. I finally got to meet the people I'd be riding with face-to-face. My fellow Equality Riders are even better in person then on facebook or the soulforce blurbs could ever show them to be. (Check out the other riders at: www.soulforce.org/2010riders) I know that the people I'll be riding with are going to be friends that will be important and cherished for the rest of my life. I have already leaned so much from the other riders and the leaders. I cannot wait to see how I will grow and how we will grow together!
The Equality Ride Training was God and the Bible. Micah and Brian, two former Equality Riders came and taught "Bible bootcamp." The first day was so nice, we basically did a Bible study together for several hours. It was the first time in years that I remembered why I called myself a Christian for so many years. I am really excited that we will have bible studies on the ride. We also worked on preparing ourselves for questions that students will ask us about the Bible and being queer.
The Equality Ride Training was Anti-oppression. The queer movement has often been a racist and classist movement. Soulforce Q works to make sure that the work were doing benefits all people. We did readings on different forms of oppression, activities, lectures and discussions. I have been learning so much and I am realizing more and more that I have so much to learn. Also, all the learning I can do is never going to be the same as walking in the shoes of those being oppressed. I must continue to learn and work to end oppression for all.
The Equality Ride Training was an amazing start to journey only just begun.
Why the Equality Ride
In 2007, the Soulforce Equality Ride came to Calvin. This one day visit profoundly changed my life. I formed some of the best friendships of my life. I jumped into activism at Calvin. I got involved with Calvin's "GSA". It started as Spectrum and moved to SAGA. I stayed involved with that and got involved with community organizations as well. I interned at GIFT (www.gaysinfaithtoether.org) and serve on the Board of Directors for GLSEN. Not only was I getting involved in activism, I was doing research. In class, I would connect every topic that I could to LGBT things. I was talking to friends too. The more I researched and talked with friends the more I realized something about myself, I'm not straight. I am pansexual. So what does that even mean? The simplest description I've heard is that I'm attracted to a person, not what's in their pants. Figuring this out took time and talking to loving supporting friends, friends that I made directly (or indirectly) because of the 2007 Equality Ride visit to Calvin.
Before the 07 East bus left Calvin, I told myself that I WOULD be and Equality Rider. Over time and through myself discovery, I knew even more strongly I had to go on the ride. If it weren't for the visit to my school I wouldn't have made my best friends who helped me figure myself out and be ok. I also have come to realize that the world will not change if Christians cannot begin to see me as a human being worth a safe space to learn. Also, many people believe that is impossible for queer people to be a Christian but this assumption is wrong. God's love is big and wide. God cover all people with his love, queer or not, no exceptions. Queer people would not have a safe place to learn if someone did not act. We also will not begin to find love from Christians without people working to educate them. I am not willing to sit by and watch oprresion take place. I am acting by going on the 2010 Equality Ride. I hope I can bring positive change to this world on this ride. I want to bring a message of hope and love to queer people in the schools and communities that I vist.
Here's the thing, this message of hope and love that I'll be bringing to the schools and community is not without cost. There are food costs, travel (both air to the training sites and bus travel across the country), lodging, and more. I have been given the goal of raising $3,500 for the ride. As of today, I've raised $800.10 for the ride. Please consider supporting me by donating 20.10 for the 2010 Equality Ride or with a donation that is personally significant for you. www.soulforce.org/kimmy_devries
If you've already donated, consider sharing this request with a friend or too. Also share this blog with people who might be interested in knowing how the ride is going. Also, I'm gonna need y'alls support. E-mail me, call me, or text me with somce love and encouragement along the way. (You can leave comment lovin' too). Thanks for all your support and love.
<3 Kimmy
Before the 07 East bus left Calvin, I told myself that I WOULD be and Equality Rider. Over time and through myself discovery, I knew even more strongly I had to go on the ride. If it weren't for the visit to my school I wouldn't have made my best friends who helped me figure myself out and be ok. I also have come to realize that the world will not change if Christians cannot begin to see me as a human being worth a safe space to learn. Also, many people believe that is impossible for queer people to be a Christian but this assumption is wrong. God's love is big and wide. God cover all people with his love, queer or not, no exceptions. Queer people would not have a safe place to learn if someone did not act. We also will not begin to find love from Christians without people working to educate them. I am not willing to sit by and watch oprresion take place. I am acting by going on the 2010 Equality Ride. I hope I can bring positive change to this world on this ride. I want to bring a message of hope and love to queer people in the schools and communities that I vist.
Here's the thing, this message of hope and love that I'll be bringing to the schools and community is not without cost. There are food costs, travel (both air to the training sites and bus travel across the country), lodging, and more. I have been given the goal of raising $3,500 for the ride. As of today, I've raised $800.10 for the ride. Please consider supporting me by donating 20.10 for the 2010 Equality Ride or with a donation that is personally significant for you. www.soulforce.org/kimmy_devries
If you've already donated, consider sharing this request with a friend or too. Also share this blog with people who might be interested in knowing how the ride is going. Also, I'm gonna need y'alls support. E-mail me, call me, or text me with somce love and encouragement along the way. (You can leave comment lovin' too). Thanks for all your support and love.
<3 Kimmy
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Equality Ride 2010
This fall I was accepted on to the Equality Ride with Soulforce. I could try to write something fancy describing what I'm doing but instead I'm going to copy and paste in a description from the Soulforce website.
In March 2010, young adults from around the country and around the world will embark on the fourth annual Equality Ride, a youth bus tour visiting religious colleges and universities across the United States to challenge on-campus discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students. Guided by the principles of nonviolence, Equality Riders will engage in critical dialogue, direct action, and in some cases civil disobedience, to press for much-needed changes for LGBTQ students.
“The Equality Ride is an opportunity for young adults to come together in the struggle for social justice,” says Asher Kolieboi, co-director of the Equality Ride. “It’s a way for both LGBTQ folks and straight allies to work together to address religious-based oppression and create safe spaces for queer youth on campuses across the country.”
For two months Riders will stop at a variety of religious colleges and universities to meet with campus administrators and students, and engage local communities on a range of issues from the relationship between faith and sexuality to the intersections of race and gender. “Like past Equality Rides, we hope to open dialogue on campus about issues affecting LGBTQ youth,” says Caitlin MacIntyre, Director of the Equality Ride. “But we’re also looking to build relationships between campus and the surrounding community to keep that conversation alive.”
Inspired by the Freedom Rides of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, the Equality Ride began in 2006 to address the over 200 U.S. colleges and universities with explicit policies that discriminate against LGBTQ students. Developed by Soulforce Q--the youth-driven arm of the national LGBTQ social justice organization Soulforce--the Equality Ride has stopped at nearly seventy academic communities since its inception, leading vigils, classroom presentations, worship services, and an assortment of direct actions to draw attention to the dangers of religion-based discrimination.
http://www.soulforce.org/article/1555
In March 2010, young adults from around the country and around the world will embark on the fourth annual Equality Ride, a youth bus tour visiting religious colleges and universities across the United States to challenge on-campus discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students. Guided by the principles of nonviolence, Equality Riders will engage in critical dialogue, direct action, and in some cases civil disobedience, to press for much-needed changes for LGBTQ students.
“The Equality Ride is an opportunity for young adults to come together in the struggle for social justice,” says Asher Kolieboi, co-director of the Equality Ride. “It’s a way for both LGBTQ folks and straight allies to work together to address religious-based oppression and create safe spaces for queer youth on campuses across the country.”
For two months Riders will stop at a variety of religious colleges and universities to meet with campus administrators and students, and engage local communities on a range of issues from the relationship between faith and sexuality to the intersections of race and gender. “Like past Equality Rides, we hope to open dialogue on campus about issues affecting LGBTQ youth,” says Caitlin MacIntyre, Director of the Equality Ride. “But we’re also looking to build relationships between campus and the surrounding community to keep that conversation alive.”
Inspired by the Freedom Rides of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, the Equality Ride began in 2006 to address the over 200 U.S. colleges and universities with explicit policies that discriminate against LGBTQ students. Developed by Soulforce Q--the youth-driven arm of the national LGBTQ social justice organization Soulforce--the Equality Ride has stopped at nearly seventy academic communities since its inception, leading vigils, classroom presentations, worship services, and an assortment of direct actions to draw attention to the dangers of religion-based discrimination.
http://www.soulforce.org/article/1555
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