The Soulforce Equality Ride 2010

Soulforce an organization dedicated to freedom for LGBT people from religious and political oppression through the practice of non-violent means is taking to the road again this year to send 25 LGBTQ youth to colleges and universities that do not allow openly homosexual students.

The Equality Ride is a nationwide bus trip that stops at anti-equality academic institutions and seeks to engage and dialogue on issues relating to sexuality, gender identity and affirming verses in scripture. The students engage in non-violent direct action, and even accept arrest when universities demand they leave their premises and they refuse to comply.

Please support the Equality Ride by making a much needed donation, to support the costs of the bus, food, accommodations, and bail needed for riders.

Open Forum: Is Denying Marriage Equality Breaking First Amendment Rights?

"Religious" opponents of marriage equality often argue that their religious liberties are being infringed upon when the government or courts mandate gay marriage.

When reversing the argument it seems pretty clear that LGBTQ people of faith are having their religious liberties infringed upon by other groups who are trying to impose their own religious definitions and philosophies on a country that prides itself on religious liberties and a separation of church and state.

The first amendment clearly states that:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

The first amendment ensures that no religion can enforce their ideals on the government, but also protects religious groups to practice the way they see fit. If conservatives want to argue that their religious rights are infringed on in the marriage battle, can't we argue on that very same premise?

Many religions are affirming of LGBT people and many include openly queer clergy as well as conduct same-sex marriages. The following religious groups are just a few of the many that are LGBT affirming: Unitarian Universalists, Reform Judaism, Conservative Judaism, Wicca, Metropolitan Community Churches, United Church of Christ, Pagans, Episcopalians, select Native American tribes, Hindu and Buddhist sects.

With the plethora of progressive religious organizations out there who do indeed support and advocate with faith for gay marriage, isn't it a violation of their first amendment right to deny them the right to officiate and legalize these unions?

"For The Bible Tells Me So" (Online Segments of Movie)

"For The Bible Tells Me So" is a thought-provoking and informative movie for people who are struggling with guilt and oppression resulting from conflicts over religion and homosexuality. The film gives an accurate analysis of the passages on homosexuality in the context of the time period, and offers brilliant insight in showing that sexual minorities are not sinners as has been mistaught by religious scholars for centuries.

Discovering Pride provides links to all 10 youtube clips for you to view at your leisure. This is a powerful film and should be seen by all LGBTQ people of faithsand for all those who believe homosexuality is a sin.

Don't Tell Me Who To Love - Ray Boltz/Soulforce (Music Video)

Soulforce an organization dedicated to achieiving LGBT liberation from religious oppression and discrimination through non violent means has come out with a new video on marriage equality. The song is by Ray Boltz a famous Contemporary Christian Artist who came out of the closet recently.

Catholic School Kicks Lesbian Mother Off PTA

Robin McGehee's 5 year old son Sebastian attends St. Helen's Catholic School. The school was aware of her sexual orientation but forced her to resign after she appeared at a "No on 8" rally claiming it went against church teachings. Shortly after being forced to resign, the Vice-president of the PTA had resigned in solidarity with Ms. McGhee. Ms. McGhee and her wife are now looking for a new school for their son.

Email contact for St. Helen's Catholic School.

Phone: (559) 251-5855
Mailing Adress:
4888 East Belmont Avenue
Fresno, California 93727