| 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! |
Ryan’s Fundraising Total
$2,023
Spread the word:
Ryan Barnette
Cincinnati, OH
Ryan Barnette grew up in the hills of Morehead, KY. While Ryan gave his life to Christ at an early age, he learned to hide the gay part from his family, his friends, and himself. He eventually went to Georgetown College to study literature. At Georgetown, Ryan fell in love with creative writing and…his male roommate. They didn’t end up together, but both came out to each other as gay and became best friends. Ryan graduated and began working programs at a public library near Cincinnati, OH, where he strove to make LGBTQ literature more visible. He began volunteering for GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) and joined a Quaker Meeting. He also found a new roommate, his beautiful boyfriend.
In Ryan’s own words
I’m going on the Equality Ride because I’ve been called to the intersection of faith communities and LGBTQ people. I’ve belonged to wonderful, affirming groups of bright faith. I want to present that kind of light to the dark places where being different or queer singles one out for condemnation.
Support Ryan by donating to Equality Ride »
| Name | Location | Amount | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venus Moose | Kentucky | $25 | Here’s a little holiday gift for equality! |
| Lawrence Reh | California | $500 | To Ryan — As a participant in the very first Soulforce ‘witness’ in Lynchburg in 1999, I appreciate greatly the time you are giving out of your life to make an effort to create a better world for all. And as a veteran of many years of ‘creative writing,’ I have confidence that you have many more years of contributing to the cause. God’s light and love go with you. –Lawrence Reh |
| Anonymous | Ohio | $200 | from family |
| Neko Moore | California | $50 | This made our day. |
| Michelle Mueller | Kentucky | $25 | Though we met through work, I feel lucky to call you a friend. You’re going to do great things! |
| Sonya Brewster | Ohio | $25 | All the best to you! |
| Patti and Michael Dirr | Kentucky | $50 | In memory of John “Rocky” Wuest. Best of luck, Ryan! |
| Sarah Vogt | Kentucky | $25 | I’m so excited for you and your upcoming adventures! Take care and keep in touch! |
| Kristie Powell | Kentucky | $25 | You’re amazing! Love you!!! |
| Leigh Mauer | Kentucky | $25 | You are making a positive difference in the world. I can’t say enough how impressed and touched I am by you and everyone going on this ride. Power to the people! |
| Ryan Arnold | Kentucky | $25 | Proud of you, Ryan! Thank you for being such an awesome friend and for helping me see the world and my circumstances from a new and refreshing point of view. I know that you will make a lasting impact on the people you meet on this trip. Have a great time and be safe! |
| James Cardwell | Kentucky | $50 | Good luck my friend! |
| Doug Clifton | Kentucky | $33 | I see this as the civil rights and human rights issue of this age. We are all one… |
| John Bruggen | Kentucky | $50 | Glad you posted this on FB today, Ryan. Good luck! |
| Darren Reinhardt | Kentucky | $50 | On behalf of The Reinhardts. We all love you very much and are so excited about this wonderful thing you’re doing  We will see you soon! |
| Stephanie Parker | Kentucky | $20 | You’re going to do great things!! Good luck, friend. |
| Kevin McCaffery | West Virginia | $100 | Go and help change the world for the better! |
| Kyle Borkowski | Kentucky | $25 | I am SO grateful that I met you and Michael. You are an awesome person and I appreciate everything you are doing! ^_^ |
| Antonio Aguilar | Tennessee | $50 | Ryan, continue the great work. Looking forward to your Nashville visit. |
| Steve McIntyre and Chuck Phelan | California | $50 | |
| Nathan Wessel | Ohio | $10 | Ryan: I hope your having a great time and making a real difference! If half the people on that bus are like you, it would be a fun bus to be on, a very interesting bus to come across unexpectedly |
| Bill Carpenter | Florida | $50 | You Go Ryan! Thanks for being on the bus! Peace and Love – Bill |
| Donald Deems | Kentucky | $100 | You stand on the shoulders of giants, including Ish Barnes, Tony Drake, Paul Stopenhagen, and other Cincinnati-area civil rights pioneers who opened closet doors for all of us. Ride on! |
| Jerry Barnette | Kentucky | $300 | |
| Bill Carpenter | Florida | $50 | OK…here’s a another $50 because as of 3/30/12, you’re the highest fund raising 1st time Rider! Keep up the good work! Raise another $1800 when you get home! Have a Great Equality Ride! Peace-Bill |
| John & Don Loetterle & Lindman | Texas | $25 | Thanks for being part of our family in Texas. It was a pleasure having all of you. |
| Susan Banks | Oregon | $60 | In support of Soulforce’s mission and our friend Ryan Barnette who shows such courage and commitment in participating in the Ride! |
| Venus Moore | $25 | Kentucky | What an inspiration! Thanks for all your doing, and for keeping us posted on this life-changing adventure! |
