Dear Student,
First I’d like to thank you for contacting me because I know that it takes a lot of courage and strength to speak your mind. No, I have not received many letters in opposition to our visit. None, actually. In my opinion, your comments and questions are directed in a Christ-like manner and this type of dialogue is what the Equality Ride is all about. Your letter poses some wonderful questions that get right to the heart of why we, 25 activists, leave our families and loved ones and go around the country for two months to visit colleges and universities. I hope to do your letter justice by answering below; however, it would be ideal if you can meet up with us any of the three days we will be in Canton, OH as I am sure the answers I give will open up more questions and comments!
Before I go on, I’d like to clear something up. While it is true that homophobia is successfully spread by religion and maintained by the church, not all the Riders feel oppressed by the Christian faith. Personally, I go to an affirming church and am happy to say I am Christian and queer :)
You inquire why we are visiting your campus, and especially since all types of public displays of affection are discouraged. My answer is simply that there are students on your campus that are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer and have not broken the covenant of celibacy, and might be perfectly happy to not engage in PDA. You see, our society has made “homosexuality” such a taboo that people find it very difficult to separate the Identity with the sexual act. If you don’t know any queer people, don’t learn or talk about it in school or at home, and all the information you receive about queer folks is linked to sex or sexual behavior, of course, that’s all you’re going to think about when the topic comes up. However, these students have a need to talk about their feelings, their experiences, their fears. Just as every other student on campus feels safe enough to ask questions, the Equality Ride is going to Malone in hopes that we can open up safe spaces for LGBTQ students to talk and ask questions too, without feeling like they are wrong for it, and feel safe about doing so. These questions range from what should I wear on my first date, to how do I tell my parents and faith community? What does the Bible say? What are these things I feel inside? I’m not attracted to the opposite gender, what does that mean? Students right now are suffering in an imposed silence.
Your second question, summed up, asks: People enter Malone fully aware of its rules, why would Soulforce choose to protest at a school where students have signed an agreement to participate to Malone’s standards? I have to admit, we get this all the time. There is a simple answer is that Malone is a fine institution with a rich and wonderful history and faith. Students that go to Malone have chosen to do so based on this and the programs offered there. It is not my understanding that the Quaker/Evangelical Friends have a tradition of excluding people, and so if a prospective student has their heart set on Malone, has passed all the GPA/testing requirements, and abides by the agreement that every other student abides by…why would they not go to Malone? Malone has a discriminatory policy that can change and evolve to include all minority/oppressed groups and we come to dialogue in regards to how this could best be achieved.
It is also possible that students entered Malone questioning or not fully understanding their sexual orientation. Or their parents push them to attend their alma mater, or do not allow room to choose any other institution. These are difficult positions to be in (especially if the parents are paying for tuition). Once a student has a loving faith community and is involved in student life it is very difficult to face the decision of walking away from it all or letting their parents know why they shouldn’t go to a school! Some of the schools we visit find out that a student has been dating, or is “outed” by a friend that heard a phone call (or similar) and the school forces them into “reparative therapy” and contacts the family or expels the student. Once the student finds themselves without their faith community, family, friends, and school…what happens to them? If you found yourself completely rejected by everyone and everything you ever loved, what would you do? Did you know that LGBTQ individuals are 3 to 7 times more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual counterpart? These are not made up statistics. Kids are killing themselves and being killed. We have had several Riders that have experienced this. Feel free to talk to them more in depth about their personal experiences.
Your final question asks how Soulforce responds to biblical passages that define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. This conversation, in my experience, has taken upwards of an hour and is most commonly a give and take because of the different interpretations of the Bible between denominations and person by person. In a nutshell, and not doing your question justice, I must ask you to look in the Bible and find where it condemns the union of two people of the same gender. It does not. Jesus didn’t say anything against it and the Bible doesn’t mention a healthy, committed, loving relationship between two people of the same gender. To talk about this more in depth, please come to any one of our community events. I can also send you online resources.
April 23rd 7pm – United Church of Christ Panel Discussion with the Equality Riders
April 24th 8pm – Community party/gathering Venue TBA
April 25th 9am - Bible Study focusing on Clobber Passages and Worship Service at 10:30am
You end saying, “what may be false to you is true to someone else and vice versa. Why is your truth more important than someone else’s? Does not equality embrace individual beliefs for all?” I don’t believe that there is one truth that is more important than another in this case and I do not want to draw a line between people. It is a misunderstanding on Malone’s part of what exactly equality means. It is completely possible to treat everyone as equal human beings with justice, love, and respect without compromising your (or their) faith. The Bible has at different points in history been used to justify the inequitable treatment of many different groups of people. As humanity has progressed it has understood that as Christians of faith we cannot continue allowing a certain group to be marginalized, oppressed, discriminated, and treated as less than because it is simply not Christ-like. This has not invalidated the Bible, and has only succeeded in strengthening the faith and message. It is the way in which progressives have renewed our understanding of the Bible time and time again that has brought the Word into the 21st century, with God’s will, of course.
I hope this has helped. Please e-mail me with more questions, but I hope to see you at any of the other community events.
Blessings,
Sabrina Diz
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
3/17 3/18 3/19 in North Carolina
My posts here are commentaries also posted on www.goqnotes.com an LGBTQ resource/news site:
March 17
Yesterday we got together and talked about SouthEastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS). The administration was reluctant to let us do much more than attend Chapel with students and staff. They added that they thought it was "ludicrous" for us to request time for open dialogue with students on campus and denied our requests to hold workshops or discussions. I'm not sure what is so crazy about an institution of higher learning allowing for students to have a safe space to talk and ask questions, especially when these students are going to graduate and one day find themselves in need of answers to questions on the intersection of justice, faith, and sexuality.
The Stop Planner, Kimmy DeVries, decided to accept their invitation to Chapel; after all, she believes that it came from a place of love. Chapel and service went smoothly. Aside from personally perceiving the Minister to be extremely sexist, it was a good sermon with an honest message. Ironically, the message was on "practice what you preach" and the gap between your faith and your character.
Essentially, the sermon is exactly what the Equality Ride is all about. Our goal is to allow the schools that we visit to re-examine the ways in which they act toward the LGBTQ community and the ways in which Christian values call us to actually behave. SEBTS has a policy that discriminates against queer students. The school holds a vague school policy that deams "homosexual behavior" as synonymous to sexual immorality and this, in our view, does nothing to promote safety for the queer community on campus. We believe that this is equal to spiritual violence and can easily be understood to justify other kinds of violence.
So after Chapel we spoke to students that came up to us for about twenty minutes. I had great conversation with three female students. The conversation switched back and forth between the Bible, ethics, and morality. It was deep and yet lighthearted. Moments in time that feel like you're talking to old friends. As I looked around I noticed that I was not the only one. There were dozens of students interested in chatting with us! Unfortunately, security sternly asked that we leave. Afraid of getting arrested, we had to go.
We drove on the big, queer bus to a corner right outside of school grounds and vigiled. The songs attracted some students, including one of the girls who I was speaking to earlier! We continued talking, and even though we debated on some fundamental beliefs of scripture (most notably that I don't believe being queer is a sin) we absolute agreed that justice is a cornerstone of Christianity.
Soon after we moved on to a public park where even more students showed up to continue dialogue. It was a beautiful sunny day and perfect for making friends. Some students and Riders were engaged in heady discussion and debate, however, it was never angry or violent. I truly believe that Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary could have easily provided a space for all this to occur, and it is a shame that they blew a chance at providing all their students an opportunity to practice what they preach.
March 18
As Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Campbell University are relatively close to each other, this year the Equality Ride decided that we could reach out to students of both campuses during a three day stop. Normally it is emotionally as well as mentally draining to visit a campus. Not that I’m complaining, this is what drives me, but justifying our views, beliefs, and identities day after day is not an easy task. As the bus drove into the parking lot this morning we were all exhausted from yesterday and yet still very excited since Campbell invited us on and agreed to host us for most of the day. After SEBTS’ experience yesterday I believe I can speak for everyone when I say we hoped for a warmer welcome.
It was extremely disappointing to see that the schedule for the day was so tightly controlled. Again, there was very little time allowed for student/Rider interaction. After a presentation by our Riders in the auditorium that went pleasantly well, instead of continuing with the lively discussion, the President of the school talked about Campbell history for over an hour. It was a deliberate tactic on their part in order to deter and derail conversation. Afterward we were ushered out to a campus tour and then to a closed area for lunch that was “by invitation only”. During lunch the speaker talked about football and school legends for at least a half hour, after cutting off dialogue between the Riders and students that had begun organically. Even though the moderator did his best to frustrate our efforts the students were genuinely interested in engaging us. One gay and out student in particular has worked ceaselessly to have a Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) approved on campus and boldly spoke out, telling the moderator that he was sorely disappointed at the school’s stance and their inability to take action. It was a shining moment. While the 25 of us have many wonderful points to make, ideas to share, and are eager to engage in conversation Alexey Bulokhob (2006 Rider) said it best when he said: “The Equality Ride bus is like a giant mirror. Each school that we visit gets to view themselves in it and how their campus reflects Christian love.” Because of this we always prefer when we can sit back in amazement as students stand up for what is right and just in the face of administrators and faculty that have forgotten what those values look like.
Some of us were talking afterwards and agreed that whatever the welcome we receive it will be properly judged only after we are gone, once we can evaluate the welcome queer students on campus continue to experience. After leaving campus we got together close by with queer students and talked together about their experiences at Campbell, their frustrations, and their need for a safe space to talk and continue to share. I felt saddened that I did not have the opportunity to connect and share with more students today. It felt awful to be so controlled and manipulated, treated so much less than I am used to by my own Christian brethren! The boldfaced lies by faculty and deliberate minimal student interaction was discouraging, but we find hope in the courage of the students who are working diligently to create a safe space on Campbell University and we are committed to working with them until this goal is achieved.
In love, justice, and solidarity…
Sabrina
March 19 - Chapel Hill
The Equality Ride visited UNC Chapel Hill today. We met up at the LGBTQ Resource Center on campus, met with supporters, and also showed a screening of "Equality U", a documentary of the first Equality Ride in 2006. It is our hope that if students and community members are aware of our efforts since they are right around the corner from the schools we visited, Southeastern Baptist Theoogical Seminary and Campbell University, they would be willing to help. Indeed, many UNC students signed up to be a part of the winds of change that are blowing through these other school!
As I sat with my fellow Riders at the resource center playing games and chatting with UNC students it struck me that I felt safe. I felt sure and at ease and safe. My fellow Riders and the students from UNC all chatted and spoke out loud words like "queer" and "gender" and "lesbian" without worrying about a backlash or consequences or losing their community. It was the first time that I was on a school campus and felt almost at home and it really struck me that this was how all students could feel everywhere, without toppling the faith or moral structure of the school. These thoughts sat heavy on my chest because I know that it will be a long time before the sense of safety UNC students felt is experienced by students everywhere.
Tomorrow we travel to Daytona, Fl to attempt to enter an entire community where homophobia persists. As someone who is originally from Miami, it never occurrred to me that Daytona would be an unwelcoming town. However, it has been very difficult to have people even respond to our letters! So our big, queer bus is on its way out of the Bible Belt for a little bit, but not yet out of the woods!
Follow us at: Soulforce.org or write to me at Sabrina_Diz@equalityride.com
March 17
Yesterday we got together and talked about SouthEastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS). The administration was reluctant to let us do much more than attend Chapel with students and staff. They added that they thought it was "ludicrous" for us to request time for open dialogue with students on campus and denied our requests to hold workshops or discussions. I'm not sure what is so crazy about an institution of higher learning allowing for students to have a safe space to talk and ask questions, especially when these students are going to graduate and one day find themselves in need of answers to questions on the intersection of justice, faith, and sexuality.
The Stop Planner, Kimmy DeVries, decided to accept their invitation to Chapel; after all, she believes that it came from a place of love. Chapel and service went smoothly. Aside from personally perceiving the Minister to be extremely sexist, it was a good sermon with an honest message. Ironically, the message was on "practice what you preach" and the gap between your faith and your character.
Essentially, the sermon is exactly what the Equality Ride is all about. Our goal is to allow the schools that we visit to re-examine the ways in which they act toward the LGBTQ community and the ways in which Christian values call us to actually behave. SEBTS has a policy that discriminates against queer students. The school holds a vague school policy that deams "homosexual behavior" as synonymous to sexual immorality and this, in our view, does nothing to promote safety for the queer community on campus. We believe that this is equal to spiritual violence and can easily be understood to justify other kinds of violence.
So after Chapel we spoke to students that came up to us for about twenty minutes. I had great conversation with three female students. The conversation switched back and forth between the Bible, ethics, and morality. It was deep and yet lighthearted. Moments in time that feel like you're talking to old friends. As I looked around I noticed that I was not the only one. There were dozens of students interested in chatting with us! Unfortunately, security sternly asked that we leave. Afraid of getting arrested, we had to go.
We drove on the big, queer bus to a corner right outside of school grounds and vigiled. The songs attracted some students, including one of the girls who I was speaking to earlier! We continued talking, and even though we debated on some fundamental beliefs of scripture (most notably that I don't believe being queer is a sin) we absolute agreed that justice is a cornerstone of Christianity.
Soon after we moved on to a public park where even more students showed up to continue dialogue. It was a beautiful sunny day and perfect for making friends. Some students and Riders were engaged in heady discussion and debate, however, it was never angry or violent. I truly believe that Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary could have easily provided a space for all this to occur, and it is a shame that they blew a chance at providing all their students an opportunity to practice what they preach.
March 18
As Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Campbell University are relatively close to each other, this year the Equality Ride decided that we could reach out to students of both campuses during a three day stop. Normally it is emotionally as well as mentally draining to visit a campus. Not that I’m complaining, this is what drives me, but justifying our views, beliefs, and identities day after day is not an easy task. As the bus drove into the parking lot this morning we were all exhausted from yesterday and yet still very excited since Campbell invited us on and agreed to host us for most of the day. After SEBTS’ experience yesterday I believe I can speak for everyone when I say we hoped for a warmer welcome.
It was extremely disappointing to see that the schedule for the day was so tightly controlled. Again, there was very little time allowed for student/Rider interaction. After a presentation by our Riders in the auditorium that went pleasantly well, instead of continuing with the lively discussion, the President of the school talked about Campbell history for over an hour. It was a deliberate tactic on their part in order to deter and derail conversation. Afterward we were ushered out to a campus tour and then to a closed area for lunch that was “by invitation only”. During lunch the speaker talked about football and school legends for at least a half hour, after cutting off dialogue between the Riders and students that had begun organically. Even though the moderator did his best to frustrate our efforts the students were genuinely interested in engaging us. One gay and out student in particular has worked ceaselessly to have a Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) approved on campus and boldly spoke out, telling the moderator that he was sorely disappointed at the school’s stance and their inability to take action. It was a shining moment. While the 25 of us have many wonderful points to make, ideas to share, and are eager to engage in conversation Alexey Bulokhob (2006 Rider) said it best when he said: “The Equality Ride bus is like a giant mirror. Each school that we visit gets to view themselves in it and how their campus reflects Christian love.” Because of this we always prefer when we can sit back in amazement as students stand up for what is right and just in the face of administrators and faculty that have forgotten what those values look like.
Some of us were talking afterwards and agreed that whatever the welcome we receive it will be properly judged only after we are gone, once we can evaluate the welcome queer students on campus continue to experience. After leaving campus we got together close by with queer students and talked together about their experiences at Campbell, their frustrations, and their need for a safe space to talk and continue to share. I felt saddened that I did not have the opportunity to connect and share with more students today. It felt awful to be so controlled and manipulated, treated so much less than I am used to by my own Christian brethren! The boldfaced lies by faculty and deliberate minimal student interaction was discouraging, but we find hope in the courage of the students who are working diligently to create a safe space on Campbell University and we are committed to working with them until this goal is achieved.
In love, justice, and solidarity…
Sabrina
March 19 - Chapel Hill
The Equality Ride visited UNC Chapel Hill today. We met up at the LGBTQ Resource Center on campus, met with supporters, and also showed a screening of "Equality U", a documentary of the first Equality Ride in 2006. It is our hope that if students and community members are aware of our efforts since they are right around the corner from the schools we visited, Southeastern Baptist Theoogical Seminary and Campbell University, they would be willing to help. Indeed, many UNC students signed up to be a part of the winds of change that are blowing through these other school!
As I sat with my fellow Riders at the resource center playing games and chatting with UNC students it struck me that I felt safe. I felt sure and at ease and safe. My fellow Riders and the students from UNC all chatted and spoke out loud words like "queer" and "gender" and "lesbian" without worrying about a backlash or consequences or losing their community. It was the first time that I was on a school campus and felt almost at home and it really struck me that this was how all students could feel everywhere, without toppling the faith or moral structure of the school. These thoughts sat heavy on my chest because I know that it will be a long time before the sense of safety UNC students felt is experienced by students everywhere.
Tomorrow we travel to Daytona, Fl to attempt to enter an entire community where homophobia persists. As someone who is originally from Miami, it never occurrred to me that Daytona would be an unwelcoming town. However, it has been very difficult to have people even respond to our letters! So our big, queer bus is on its way out of the Bible Belt for a little bit, but not yet out of the woods!
Follow us at: Soulforce.org or write to me at Sabrina_Diz@equalityride.com
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Letter to a Friend
My dear and sorely missed friend....
I've been hoping to get a chance to talk to you for days now. It saddens me that I left you at a time when you might just need a friend most of all. I hope that this is mostly my guilty conscience, and that you're doing just fine. It's hard to go do what I'm passionate about, and leave behind the people that ignited the flame.
Alabama was amazing. It is truly my favorite Stop so far. It went smoothly; well, smoother than we all thought it would go. The trouble was that Oakwood University sent an e-mail to all their students that not only let their students know we were coming, but told them that if they felt 'unsafe' to call Campus Police and also that we were 'trained very well and any form of debate would be fruitless and unsuccessful'. It really sounded as if they painted us as a militant group looking to cause trouble. You know me...I can hear you laughing at this. Can you picture me as militant? Maybe loud and obnoxioux, but roudy and violent? Well, it scared us because the last thing we wanted was students thinking we were out to push any sort of agenda at all costs.
Anyway, our Bus was led to a building so far off campus, in such a roundabout way, that no student saw us. According to a "source" we were led to the Health building that is only technically on campus. We were ushered into a room with photographers and video cameras and although we were treated respectfully (and by this I mean people shook our hands and introduced themselves and we were offered seating) there were about 6 to 10 students and the rest of the 50 people were administrators and faculty. The seating was in rows with an aisle down the middle, and at the front was a pulpit; decked out with a bold cross. It was set up for service, yet the paper that was handed out stated "Dialogue" albeit in quotation marks. It was almost painful to see my fellow Riders so nervous, because I love and care each one and know that how they were perceived, and indeed understood, was so far from who they are.
It was slow to begin, but as uncomfortable as it was to talk to each other a nice flow of conversation ensued. No thanks to administration, that in my opinion made it as uneasy as possible, but to the students that were genuinely interested in learning our purpose. To those brave souls (they were indeed as brave as us) my wholehearted thanks. They reminded us why we travel around leaving jobs, friends, loved ones, and those comforts like a cold drink or passing by your mailbox and experiencing the feeling of "belonging" as you carry bills and letters into your home. We redirected attempts to reduce our whole identities to a sex act eloquently and Oakwood students brought the conversation back to common ground and shared Christian values beautifully. After an hour that quenched no one's thirst, they ushered us into lunch. There we were able to continue "dialogue" with students as cameras inches from our faces worked furiously to annoy, distract, and intimidate. We were not allowed any type of releases on this material, as our acceptance to speak to students on campus "annulled our right to refuse to be photographed". We have also not been told how this material will be used. And, of course, we were not allowed to photograph or videotape. If I wasn't as resolute in my love for God, this display would have shaken my faith. Most of the people there were Theology professors, ministers and preachers; the students were all Theology majors (as fitting of the criteria "the list of invited Oakwood staff and students" had to fulfill to attend). And yet as the strangers, the foreigners, the marginalized, and the oppressed we were treated with disrespect and injustice. Even as I write this, I feel pressured to erase the words and be grateful for what we were given as I am sure Oakwood would like us to be. But I'm outraged that I should be happy with crumbs as they ate so fully in front of me.
If the school would have given us a proper welcome, let us speak to those students that really needed to speak with us. If the administrators would have treated as full human beings and allowed us the intellectual dialogue and not stood between the possible relationships that as Equality Riders we strive for, than we would not have felt the need to rally outside campus. Our intent was to hold a vigil; however, students began arriving almost immediately and they wanted to talk! Imagine that! Adult college educated people interested in learning about others. It was an interesting stop for me. Our last few stops had been primarily White schools and communities in which I felt as if on the perimeter of all conversation and social interaction. It actually wasn't very noticeable until I started speaking with Oakwood, a Historically Black Institution (HBI). Once I did, I felt more comfortable. And that's all I can say about that, only because some things have no words.
Students followed us to Chilli's and even to our hotel lobby afterwards to continue conversations and talk about their own experiences. It was quite noticeable that students were outraged at how we were treated, the policy against LGBTQ students, and many policies that was oppressive for all students. Even though I came away with a feeling of fear, fear that once we left students would feel like there were too many problems for students to fix, the connections we made with LGBTQ students on campus lead me to believe that in the very least, we spread hope and affirmation. And that's pretty okay with me, too.
So that was our last campus visit. The day before, we went out to a gay bar and met up with the community and had a lot of fun. We watched a Drag King show and laughed and danced and acted like fools :) It was so very much needed!!!! It was awesome... Let me tell you, there are some BEAUTIFUL people in Alabama!
How are you, my dear friend? I don't want my stories to overwhelm the conversation. Please tell me how you are doing, I worry!
With much love, and many blessings...
Sabrina Diz
It is often easier to become outraged by injustice half a world away than by oppression and discrimination half a block from home. ~Carl T. Rowan
I've been hoping to get a chance to talk to you for days now. It saddens me that I left you at a time when you might just need a friend most of all. I hope that this is mostly my guilty conscience, and that you're doing just fine. It's hard to go do what I'm passionate about, and leave behind the people that ignited the flame.
Alabama was amazing. It is truly my favorite Stop so far. It went smoothly; well, smoother than we all thought it would go. The trouble was that Oakwood University sent an e-mail to all their students that not only let their students know we were coming, but told them that if they felt 'unsafe' to call Campus Police and also that we were 'trained very well and any form of debate would be fruitless and unsuccessful'. It really sounded as if they painted us as a militant group looking to cause trouble. You know me...I can hear you laughing at this. Can you picture me as militant? Maybe loud and obnoxioux, but roudy and violent? Well, it scared us because the last thing we wanted was students thinking we were out to push any sort of agenda at all costs.
Anyway, our Bus was led to a building so far off campus, in such a roundabout way, that no student saw us. According to a "source" we were led to the Health building that is only technically on campus. We were ushered into a room with photographers and video cameras and although we were treated respectfully (and by this I mean people shook our hands and introduced themselves and we were offered seating) there were about 6 to 10 students and the rest of the 50 people were administrators and faculty. The seating was in rows with an aisle down the middle, and at the front was a pulpit; decked out with a bold cross. It was set up for service, yet the paper that was handed out stated "Dialogue" albeit in quotation marks. It was almost painful to see my fellow Riders so nervous, because I love and care each one and know that how they were perceived, and indeed understood, was so far from who they are.
It was slow to begin, but as uncomfortable as it was to talk to each other a nice flow of conversation ensued. No thanks to administration, that in my opinion made it as uneasy as possible, but to the students that were genuinely interested in learning our purpose. To those brave souls (they were indeed as brave as us) my wholehearted thanks. They reminded us why we travel around leaving jobs, friends, loved ones, and those comforts like a cold drink or passing by your mailbox and experiencing the feeling of "belonging" as you carry bills and letters into your home. We redirected attempts to reduce our whole identities to a sex act eloquently and Oakwood students brought the conversation back to common ground and shared Christian values beautifully. After an hour that quenched no one's thirst, they ushered us into lunch. There we were able to continue "dialogue" with students as cameras inches from our faces worked furiously to annoy, distract, and intimidate. We were not allowed any type of releases on this material, as our acceptance to speak to students on campus "annulled our right to refuse to be photographed". We have also not been told how this material will be used. And, of course, we were not allowed to photograph or videotape. If I wasn't as resolute in my love for God, this display would have shaken my faith. Most of the people there were Theology professors, ministers and preachers; the students were all Theology majors (as fitting of the criteria "the list of invited Oakwood staff and students" had to fulfill to attend). And yet as the strangers, the foreigners, the marginalized, and the oppressed we were treated with disrespect and injustice. Even as I write this, I feel pressured to erase the words and be grateful for what we were given as I am sure Oakwood would like us to be. But I'm outraged that I should be happy with crumbs as they ate so fully in front of me.
If the school would have given us a proper welcome, let us speak to those students that really needed to speak with us. If the administrators would have treated as full human beings and allowed us the intellectual dialogue and not stood between the possible relationships that as Equality Riders we strive for, than we would not have felt the need to rally outside campus. Our intent was to hold a vigil; however, students began arriving almost immediately and they wanted to talk! Imagine that! Adult college educated people interested in learning about others. It was an interesting stop for me. Our last few stops had been primarily White schools and communities in which I felt as if on the perimeter of all conversation and social interaction. It actually wasn't very noticeable until I started speaking with Oakwood, a Historically Black Institution (HBI). Once I did, I felt more comfortable. And that's all I can say about that, only because some things have no words.
Students followed us to Chilli's and even to our hotel lobby afterwards to continue conversations and talk about their own experiences. It was quite noticeable that students were outraged at how we were treated, the policy against LGBTQ students, and many policies that was oppressive for all students. Even though I came away with a feeling of fear, fear that once we left students would feel like there were too many problems for students to fix, the connections we made with LGBTQ students on campus lead me to believe that in the very least, we spread hope and affirmation. And that's pretty okay with me, too.
So that was our last campus visit. The day before, we went out to a gay bar and met up with the community and had a lot of fun. We watched a Drag King show and laughed and danced and acted like fools :) It was so very much needed!!!! It was awesome... Let me tell you, there are some BEAUTIFUL people in Alabama!
How are you, my dear friend? I don't want my stories to overwhelm the conversation. Please tell me how you are doing, I worry!
With much love, and many blessings...
Sabrina Diz
It is often easier to become outraged by injustice half a world away than by oppression and discrimination half a block from home. ~Carl T. Rowan
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Letter From Houghton College Student
I couldn't believe that you guys would leave something for me--I didn't understand what I did that was so deserving. I went down to the inn and Steph gave me the card and t-shirt, and we just broke down together.
We have done nothing extraordinary for you all. We've met friends to look up to, people who are taking a stand and working for something that is bigger than they are. You guys are heroes. You are acting as a voice for those who cannot speak. You are hands for those who cannot reach and feet for those who cannot move. You're doing incredible work for God and humanity. He is proud, and he is doing mighty things through you all.
WE are so grateful to have YOU ROCKSTARS as our friends. We are more than happy, we are convicted and dedicated to continuing the work you've started on Houghton's campus. It is not a favor to you, but rather or duty as people, as children of God.
It's already proving to be quite a challenge. I was faced with hurt and realism in an upperlevel class yesterday as students said they thought the day was a success BECAUSE you all were tucked in a room and they were not "forced to interact." I almost started to cry in class, because they didn't realize how hurtful their words were. Even if they see any sexual orientation outside of one man (as recognized at birth) and one woman (as recognized at birth) as a sin, then they should look to follow Jesus Christ as their example and seek conversation with the hurt, the downtrodden and the outcasts. I hate complacency and comfort in ignorance, closed minds! It breaks my heart, because with that kind of thinking, no growth can take place.
ANYWAY, thank you so much for the card and shirt. I will wear it with pride. Steph and I are looking to put together the first QSA very soon, so if you'd like to put our names out there to students who have contacted you, please feel free. Also, you may absolutely put a link to my blog on the soulforce website. I'd be proud to be associated with you and the work you're doing!
Thank you again, Jason! I hope you are having an awesome time in Rochester today!
Love,
Sonja
We have done nothing extraordinary for you all. We've met friends to look up to, people who are taking a stand and working for something that is bigger than they are. You guys are heroes. You are acting as a voice for those who cannot speak. You are hands for those who cannot reach and feet for those who cannot move. You're doing incredible work for God and humanity. He is proud, and he is doing mighty things through you all.
WE are so grateful to have YOU ROCKSTARS as our friends. We are more than happy, we are convicted and dedicated to continuing the work you've started on Houghton's campus. It is not a favor to you, but rather or duty as people, as children of God.
It's already proving to be quite a challenge. I was faced with hurt and realism in an upperlevel class yesterday as students said they thought the day was a success BECAUSE you all were tucked in a room and they were not "forced to interact." I almost started to cry in class, because they didn't realize how hurtful their words were. Even if they see any sexual orientation outside of one man (as recognized at birth) and one woman (as recognized at birth) as a sin, then they should look to follow Jesus Christ as their example and seek conversation with the hurt, the downtrodden and the outcasts. I hate complacency and comfort in ignorance, closed minds! It breaks my heart, because with that kind of thinking, no growth can take place.
ANYWAY, thank you so much for the card and shirt. I will wear it with pride. Steph and I are looking to put together the first QSA very soon, so if you'd like to put our names out there to students who have contacted you, please feel free. Also, you may absolutely put a link to my blog on the soulforce website. I'd be proud to be associated with you and the work you're doing!
Thank you again, Jason! I hope you are having an awesome time in Rochester today!
Love,
Sonja
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Houghton - Continued....
This is for those out there that might doubt our impact. It is a blog from a student at Houghton College. Inspiring!!!!
http://sonjablade.wordpress.com/
http://sonjablade.wordpress.com/
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Houghton College in Houghton, NY
Today was really the first welcoming school and so the first time we were able to get on campus and really get into dialogue with students and staff. It was stated from the beginning by the administration that "at the end of the day they would agree to disagree" but that the dialogue would be welcome. This was discouraging. Knowing that the administration was going into this conversation with a firm decision in mind (of not to change anything at all), to me, isn't dialogue. Dialogue for me is an exchange of ideas with an open mind to learn from the other person and keep yourself open to the possibilities.
While the administration kept up this facade of "dialogue" it didn't get me down one bit because the students were genuine. At first I was extremely anxious and nervous. After three cups of coffee I was worried I wouldn't be able to shake hands with anyone, either! However, it was really interesting.
Each one of us Riders had a "host". I'm assuming the host's job was to aid us in not getting lost around campus (ahem), guide conversation, and protect us as much as the students from any "inappropriateness" (what this would be, I'm not completely sure). I couldn't figure my host out at first. I didn't know if he was for or against me, what his role was exactly, or how much influence he would have over the other students that would come up to talk to me. Because I wasn't really sure what to expect I just started asking questions. Purposeful and intentional questions, but I didn't want to go into any type of shpeal. My first question was geared toward the policy at Houghton that warns against "homosexual activity" and so I asked, "What do you think is considered heterosexual behavior?"
I thought it was witty and serious at the same time. It was really important for me to establish a difference between my sexual orientation and my sexuality, or at least what I may or may not do while in bed with another individual. And I was surprised that the conversation stayed at a serious level all the while being open, honest, respectful, and absolutely affirming. It was GREAT! It was my discovery that while the school administrators were not open to the possibility of change, the students thought quite differently. Perhaps things haven't progressed on this campus is because these conversations weren't happening before we arrived, and in the past few months the school has teethed with sexuality conversations in preparation of our arrival. It is my hope that the students will take over from here and continue these conversations. It is in their hands, and I feel confident that the matter won't be easily dropped, and LGBTQ students on campus no longer ignored. That is me thinking positively, of course, and only time will tell...
While the administration kept up this facade of "dialogue" it didn't get me down one bit because the students were genuine. At first I was extremely anxious and nervous. After three cups of coffee I was worried I wouldn't be able to shake hands with anyone, either! However, it was really interesting.
Each one of us Riders had a "host". I'm assuming the host's job was to aid us in not getting lost around campus (ahem), guide conversation, and protect us as much as the students from any "inappropriateness" (what this would be, I'm not completely sure). I couldn't figure my host out at first. I didn't know if he was for or against me, what his role was exactly, or how much influence he would have over the other students that would come up to talk to me. Because I wasn't really sure what to expect I just started asking questions. Purposeful and intentional questions, but I didn't want to go into any type of shpeal. My first question was geared toward the policy at Houghton that warns against "homosexual activity" and so I asked, "What do you think is considered heterosexual behavior?"
I thought it was witty and serious at the same time. It was really important for me to establish a difference between my sexual orientation and my sexuality, or at least what I may or may not do while in bed with another individual. And I was surprised that the conversation stayed at a serious level all the while being open, honest, respectful, and absolutely affirming. It was GREAT! It was my discovery that while the school administrators were not open to the possibility of change, the students thought quite differently. Perhaps things haven't progressed on this campus is because these conversations weren't happening before we arrived, and in the past few months the school has teethed with sexuality conversations in preparation of our arrival. It is my hope that the students will take over from here and continue these conversations. It is in their hands, and I feel confident that the matter won't be easily dropped, and LGBTQ students on campus no longer ignored. That is me thinking positively, of course, and only time will tell...
March 7th 2010
The Equality Ride Bus has left Pennsylvania and is on the way to Houghton, NY where we are barely welcomed onto Houghton College campus. Once there we’ll be treated like criminals. Each one of us Riders will have a “host” student that will walk around with us on campus, even to the bathroom. I don’t understand what they’re afraid of.
Someone today told me about having sex last night. While I am sex positive and all about having a good time, I’m not happy about this person having unprotected oral sex and I felt the heat coming up to my face…we just got tested for HIV last night (I reminded), and here they are exposing themselves again. It’s frustrating. Yet the reason I’m so upset is because I have done the same thing. When I got tested last night I had the support of my partner who drove to Philly to spend the evening with us. Kris and I were a little nervous. It had been over a year since either one of us had been tested for HIV; we also had a separation period about six months ago in which we both had unprotected sex with other people. It ran through my mind that if I tested reactive I would die from guilt because I have known better all this time. I should have had protected sex all this time with others, but I didn’t. And I could have given HIV to someone I love. How would I have made it better then? I have to wonder how one goes about apologizing for being so selfish and inconsiderate. And I also wonder how forgiveness (that is not often mentioned) must be central to the process of health and healing once an individual learns they are Positive. We both tested non-reactive, meaning that up to 3 months ago we were not infected. We plan to get tested again in three months even though it has been more than three months that we have been together and monogamous. As a couple, we have decided to be more informed, and get tested regularly for several reasons. First, how can we lead if not by example? Second, we have recent tattoos and piercings and want to be absolutely certain that the places we are going to are clean and considering the health and safety of its patrons. Lastly, regular testing means we are also keeping the issue of HIV and safe sex at the forefront of our lives. Kris and I don’t want to forget that people are dying, people in our community as well as straight folks. This isn’t just a gay issue, as much as others want to believe it is.
I’ve settled into my space on the Bus, with my belongings all around me set up in such a way that I feel like I’m camping indoors. I wanted this blog to be about Valley Forge Christian College and to talk about Repent America, and how we were encouraged by the calls and e-mails we received after our visit, vigil, and protest even though the students were not allowed to talk to us. However, there are so many other things going on throughout this Ride that I also want to share those, too.
Please feel free to ask questions regarding certain stops, and I'll answer them if my blog doesn't answer your burning questions...
The Equality Ride Bus has left Pennsylvania and is on the way to Houghton, NY where we are barely welcomed onto Houghton College campus. Once there we’ll be treated like criminals. Each one of us Riders will have a “host” student that will walk around with us on campus, even to the bathroom. I don’t understand what they’re afraid of.
Someone today told me about having sex last night. While I am sex positive and all about having a good time, I’m not happy about this person having unprotected oral sex and I felt the heat coming up to my face…we just got tested for HIV last night (I reminded), and here they are exposing themselves again. It’s frustrating. Yet the reason I’m so upset is because I have done the same thing. When I got tested last night I had the support of my partner who drove to Philly to spend the evening with us. Kris and I were a little nervous. It had been over a year since either one of us had been tested for HIV; we also had a separation period about six months ago in which we both had unprotected sex with other people. It ran through my mind that if I tested reactive I would die from guilt because I have known better all this time. I should have had protected sex all this time with others, but I didn’t. And I could have given HIV to someone I love. How would I have made it better then? I have to wonder how one goes about apologizing for being so selfish and inconsiderate. And I also wonder how forgiveness (that is not often mentioned) must be central to the process of health and healing once an individual learns they are Positive. We both tested non-reactive, meaning that up to 3 months ago we were not infected. We plan to get tested again in three months even though it has been more than three months that we have been together and monogamous. As a couple, we have decided to be more informed, and get tested regularly for several reasons. First, how can we lead if not by example? Second, we have recent tattoos and piercings and want to be absolutely certain that the places we are going to are clean and considering the health and safety of its patrons. Lastly, regular testing means we are also keeping the issue of HIV and safe sex at the forefront of our lives. Kris and I don’t want to forget that people are dying, people in our community as well as straight folks. This isn’t just a gay issue, as much as others want to believe it is.
I’ve settled into my space on the Bus, with my belongings all around me set up in such a way that I feel like I’m camping indoors. I wanted this blog to be about Valley Forge Christian College and to talk about Repent America, and how we were encouraged by the calls and e-mails we received after our visit, vigil, and protest even though the students were not allowed to talk to us. However, there are so many other things going on throughout this Ride that I also want to share those, too.
Please feel free to ask questions regarding certain stops, and I'll answer them if my blog doesn't answer your burning questions...
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