SoulForce: To Address Homophobia, Group Brings Religion & Sexuality Together

In the City of Brotherly Love, it is difficult to go a day without hearing about rights and liberties. Beyond the typical political banter of the news media and subway conversation, we are confronted with the works and actions of forefathers dedicated to "liberty and justice for all." It is no wonder then, that amidst this air of independence we find a fierce battle for equality being fought-and by fierce, I mean relentlessly non-violent.

Soulforce is a straight/gay alliance dedicated to "freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance."

One of the more notable activities done is the Equality Ride. 50 young adults head out in a tour bus, making stops at conservative college campuses across the country engaging students and administration in a dialogue concerning the damaging effects of homophobia and attempting to eradicate the notion that LGBT lifestyles are "wrong or sinful."

Tommy Atz, of Philadelphia, signed up for the journey after receiving an email about the Equality Ride and immediately recognizing the good that could come from such an event.

"I had been working at the Attic as an educator, going into Philly schools and colleges to talk about LGBT issues," Tommy said. "The bus ride was an extension of what I was already doing."

After being arrested around the country (and dialoging with his arresting officers to clear up confusion they had about the LGBT community) he has insight into the process of dispelling homophobia.

"[The LGBT community] needs to get rid of the 'us and them' mentality," Tommy said. "It is getting in the way of moving forward. We are all humans. If I want to be seen as human, I have to see them as human. It only takes one person to decide to put their guard down. If you put your guard down, there is space for others to do the same."

Talking with Tommy brought back memories of my own undergrad education at a markedly conservative, private college in the south. I remember hearing about Soulforce pulling up their bus to some of our "sister schools." There were reports of valuable conversations, and reports of arrests. The Equality Ride didn't even have to make a stop at my campus to stir up controversy.

As a religious school the questions of propriety and acceptance were brought up in the classroom and casual conversation. Whether "they" were right or wrong was not a decision to be made-the decision was how were we to handle it if they forced themselves upon our campus.

The religious aspect is quickly addressed when talking to Jess Kalup, a bus-rider on the 2007 Equality Ride. "I feel Soulforce is effective in that it believes religion to be the source of oppression," Jess said. "We are all God's children which means we are all human which means we are all equal. Once you train your eyes and soul to see that, it becomes easy to want to educate."

According to Jess, Soulforce is an interfaith organization - accepting all faiths, including atheism. "Each house of worship interprets God's word differently when implementing said word in their daily lives," Jess said.

Beyond the Equality Ride, Soulforce is responsible for several activities-all geared towards tolerance and understanding. They are making plans for Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights, a national event that will provide straight Americans with opportunities to do justice and motivate new allies to stand up and be counted for equal rights.

"This campaign is an opportunity for straight allies across the USA to take a stand for something in which they believe," Jess adds. "It also gives our state legislature the chance to see for themselves that LGBT issues are human issues and what affects our LGBT loved ones affects all people."

Soulforce stands to cut off homophobia at its source, to end the attacks on the lives and civil liberties of LGBT Americans. As a grassroots movement they are able to get out on the streets and really make a difference. Since this is not a lobbyist group trying to change the world by changing the minds of government officials, the organization needs your financial and moral support. This group knows that to change a country, you have to change people - and to change people, we first have to change ourselves.

Soulforce.org.
Sevenstraightnights.org.