| 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! |
Matt’s Fundraising Total
$2,360
Spread the word:
Matt Steele
Portland, OR
Matt hails from crunchy, bunny lovin’, tree huggin’, granola munchin’ Portland, where he keeps himself busy with bike trips, pretending to cook, and celebrating all the great coffee shops of PDX. He recently graduated from Reed College with a BA in sociology, focusing on identity construction in religious LGBT individuals. The Equality Ride brings these moving issues to life in a very real way.
Matt has worked with a variety of nonprofits spanning many human rights issues, including Transitions Global, Human Rights Campaign, and Outside In. The Equality Ride is the powerful, next step in a journey for personal and community empowerment.
Cheers to living life and celebrating every moment!
In Matt’s own words
I try to see my world as a playground, not a battlefield. I cannot imagine a more fun, effective, epic approach to inspiring change than a two month road trip around the country with a bus full of passionate, positive people. If we cannot move someone to open their hands, hearts, and minds(even just a little), I don’t know what could. Let’s DOOOO THIS!
Support Matt by donating to Equality Ride »
| Name | Location | Amount | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anonymous | Washington | $15 | because sometimes there is love inaction, but with this ride there will be love in action. |
| Arnella Hennig | Oregon | “You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing, there will be no result.” And so it is… we love you lots, Matt! Godspeed. – Mom | |
| Ty Stober and Lamar Bryant | Washington | $100 | Have a great trip Matt. Change lives; change America; change the world! |
| Anonymous | Oregon | $25 | Do good things, Matt!!!!!! |
| Laura Florescu | New Mexico | $15 | Matt is the best, I am proud to be his friend and I know he will go on to do great things! |
| Kristian Ingebretsen | Oregon | $20 | Kick some ass and take names! Also, don’t get arrested. Cheers to being so awesome! |
| Rachel Workin | North Carolina | $20 | You go Matt!!! |
| Christina Broncheau | Oregon | $50 | Go get them Matt. I always knew that you will play a part in changing the world. Thank you for being a voice for equality. |
| Kylie Byrd | Oregon | $10 | You are amazing Matty, have fun on your trip and spread your goodness! |
| JoGo | Texas | $100 | You’re the most amazing person that I have had the joy to know. I have seen you change lives though your selfless acts of kindness and activism. Live honorably, create change and rock on, my friend! |
| Gregg Moreland | Oregon | $30 | |
| EsDavid EsDavid | Oregon | $25 | I cannot think of another young man who is more captivating and engaging than Matt Steele. He has such a passionately kind way of connecting with everyone in his presence. I love everything Matt stands for and fervently believe that the SoulForce team and everyone along his journey will benefit from his compassion and generosity. He has obviously left a very positive impression on me, and given me hope for a kinder world. |
| Steve McIntyre and Chuck Phelan | California | $50 | |
| David M | Florida | $75 | What a coincidence, I just watched the Equality U documentary. Ride on for equality. Make Portland coffee drinkers proud. |
| Allen Thompson | Oregon | $1,000 | Matt you’ve been a great friend to me over the past two years! You rock my world and I really miss hanging with you!! Your walking your talk and you are the person who can and will make a difference I this trip. Drive on!! Best wishes to the whole group and much success on this mission your the best!! See you guys in Portland!! Best wishes to all!! |
| Bill Carpenter | Florida | $50 | YOU GO – Matt! I love and respect the work you’re doing! Keep it up – it’s so important! Peace – Bill |
| David Fuller | North Carolina | $25 | Good luck! |
| Nap Steele | Oregon | $250 | Matt, Be strong, be careful, forever an ally, love you, dad |
| Anonymous | Oregon | $250 | On behalf of Peace. love, dad |
