| The Soulforce Equality Ride is a two month social justice bus tour that confronts political and spiritual oppression of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) people. The ride began in 2006 and has visited hundreds of cities, colleges, universities, and other institutions. The 2012 ride will be the fifth tour. This year a large emphasis is being placed on intersectional justice (or the desire to practice social justice in a way that ends all oppression against all people) and community involvement. The participants of the Equality Ride are provided top notch training, transportation, housing, and food throughout the tour. Support from rider pages like this one helps to make the Soulforce Equality Ride possible. Visit www.equalityride.com to learn more! |
J.D.’s Fundraising Total
$615
Spread the word:
J.D. Melendez
The Bronx, NY
J.D is from The Bronx, NY. Having been raised in a Born Again Christian family, J.D. had some difficulty navigating the intersection of bring Queer and Christian.
J.D. has worked with the Homeless LGBT Youth community in New York City for over 13 years. J.D. has worked with The Neutral Zone, Public Allies Americorps, F.I.E.R.C.E.!, Sylvia’s Place and New Alternative’s for Homeless LGBT Youth.
J.D. is also a documentary filmmaker and has completed projects such as “Fenced Out” focusing on the displacement of Queer youth in the West Village, and “Speak for Yourself” a film on the rights of youth and children in the New York City foster care system. J.D. has also been featured in the LOGO documentary “Queer Streets”.
In J.D.’s own words
I am pleased and honored to have been accepted to be part of the Soulforce 2012 Equality Ride. I am looking forward to joining an amazing line of people who have done so much amazing work to free folks from religious and political persecution and injustice. I am excited to help in creating safe spaces for the communities that need them as well as having the hard conversations that are necessary in creating the change that is needed on these campuses. I am looking forward to being challenged and growing as an activist and a christian.
Support J.D. by donating to Equality Ride »
| Name | Location | Amount | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sylvia Jung | New York | $25 | |
| Grace Marie | Connecticut | $10 | J.D- you made a wonderful impact on my life in such a short period of time. I know you will continue to change the lives of others in positive ways |
| Mylo Kushner | New York | $25 | |
| Christopher Tozzo | Arizona | $50 | Every year I pick a random Rider to sponsor. Since we’re both from the Bronx, you win this year.  |
| Adrienne Lopez | Connecticut | $20 | J.D. is my wonderful niece. I don’t agree with her most of the time, but I defend her right to stand for her beliefs. |
| Tom Hutchinson | Canada | $100 | Adrienne, you made me do it. |
| Bill Carpenter | Florida | $50 | You are the perfect person to be on the 2012 Equality Ride! Your unique skills and talents will be highly valued and your work will, literally, save lives! Stay steadfast and kind…and have fun! Peace and Love – Bill |
| Kristen Lovell | New York | $20 | In Honor of all those who suffer religious persecution |
| Katie Sessa | New York | $25 | I am giving because I think it’s wonderful what J.D is doing. I am very proud and can’t wait to see J.D make a difference!!! |
| Krystal Pesiri | New York | $50 | On behalf of KRYSTAL AND MILEY PIE. JD YOU ARE LOVED AND MISSED BACK HOME JUST KNOW WE ALL SUPPORT YOU AND ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU AND MILEY PIE MISSES HER JD WE LOVE U BE SAFE OUT THERE GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR OTHER FAMILY MISSES YOU!!!!!!!!! |
| Linda Pesiri | New York | $50 | We pick and we choose our religion because god loves us… he can love a prostitute a thief all animals walking this earth you should not be the judge god is the only judge we pick and choose who we love god loves all of his children white black hispanic chinese indian lgbt act they are good people who show there love to him god judges people people don’t judge god look in the mirror if u can say one bad thing about yourself then don’t talk about others this is a mission so people don’t be afraid of what they are and can stop hiding this is a mission that all of gods children no mater who they are know that they are loved and JD we are so proud of you and i am honored to say i know you can’t wait till you come home. |
| Steve McIntyre and Chuck Phelan | California | $50 | |
| Tom Hutchinson | Canada | $50 | |
| Bill Carpenter | Florida | $50 | Hey J.D. – you’re a rock star! Thanks for being on the bus…your voice is so important! Peace – Bill |
| Harry Yuen | California | $50 | Thank you for making a difference to change people hearts. |
