Soulforce has named Haven Herrin as its Deputy Director; and Soulforce board member Tynan Power has been named Co-Coordinator of the newly-formed Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (MASGD). Both Herrin and Power were appointed to these leadership positions during meetings of the respective organizations that took place during the Creating Change Conference this past weekend in Atlanta.

Herrin first began working with Soulforce as co-director of the Equality Ride in 2006. The Soulforce initiative brought young adults to religious and military colleges across the country to challenge policies that discriminated against LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) students, often threatening them with expulsion if they came out or expressed pro-LGBT beliefs.

Herrin has taken part in the four Equality Rides since 2006. Now, LGBT student groups–some of them underground–have sprung up at Christian colleges visited by Soulforce, including Biola University in Los Angeles, Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA, and Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX.

Herrin continued involvement with Soulforce as an organizer and trainer for Soulforce’s Right to Marry and Right to Serve campaigns, Soulforce Q Camp, and as a national spokesperson at Soulforce Symposia. Herrin most recently served as the organization’s Development Director.

Speaking of hopes for the organization as it enters its fifteenth year, Herrin said, “Our commitment to racial and economic justice thrives through partnerships with movements like immigration and anti-poverty work. Soulforce is at a fortunate point where we can share resources and build more far-reaching projects.”

Rev. Dr. Cindi Love, executive director of Soulforce said, “We are proud and grateful that Haven Herrin has accepted the role of Deputy Director of Soulforce. Haven was co-founder of Soulforce’s flagship program, the Equality Ride. As a member of the board of ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) Haven has been instrumental in the expansion of our work outside North America and central to the deepening of our effectiveness at the intersections of justice.”

The co-leadership of Tynan Power of the Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity came about as the organization was formed this past weekend in Atlanta. Power is an author and faith leader who has contributed to All-American: 45 American Men on Being Muslim, and Progressive Muslim Identities. Power is committed to including groups traditionally excluded from the practice and leadership of Islam, including LGBT people and women.