National “Equality Ride,” Young Activists to Protest Minneapolis’ North Central U’s Discriminatory Policies
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Social Justice Bus Tour to Bring Message of Acceptance to Area
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, Soulforce’s “Equality Ride” – a national social justice bus tour to discriminatory evangelical colleges and universities – announced that the 17 young lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) activists aboard the bus will be visiting the Minneapolis area this week from Tuesday, March 20 through Sunday, March 25. In conjunction with the Minneapolis stop, the “Equality Ride” will visit North Central University to protest the school’s discriminatory policies against LGBTQ people and deliver a message of acceptance and support for those students, faculty, and staff living in silence and fear.
While at North Central University, the 17 young “Equality Riders” will be partaking in a roundtable discussion with local political leaders during their time in Minneapolis. Additionally, while on campus, these LGBTQ activists will participate in a non-violent protest of North Central University’s anti-LGBTQ policies, as well as the lack of an anti-discrimination or bullying policy that would specifically protect the rights and safety of all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
WHAT: Protest & Rally of Anti-LGBTQ Policies at North Central University
WHO: Soulforce – a non-profit organization committed to the freedom of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people from political and spiritual oppression. Currently in its fifth tour of the national “Equality Ride” – a social justice bus tour that is traveling across-the-country from Philadelphia, Pa. to San Francisco, Calif.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rally will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. at Elliot Park.
WHERE: North Central University, 910 Elliot Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55404 (Meeting at Elliot Park, 1000 East 14th St. Minneapolis, MN across the street from NCU at 9:30 a.m.)
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*In addition to Wednesday’s protest and rally at North Central University, the “Equality Ride” will be participating in other events throughout the week in Minneapolis. The additional events for the “Equality Ride” Minneapolis stop are included below:
WHAT: Discussion with political leaders on safety & justice for LGBTQ peopleWHEN:
WHERE: Unity Church - Unitarian, 732 Holly Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55104Thursday, March 22 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
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WHAT: A Thousand & One Stories: A Benefit & Celebration for the ‘12 “Equality Ride” (A night of music, spoken word, and stories from the road)
WHEN: Saturday, March 24 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: 11400 Lakeview Lane West, Minnetonka, MN
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WHAT: Sunday Service with Soulforce’s Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Cindi Love. Soulforce’s Rev. Dr. Cindi Love, will be speaking and offering a blessing for the 2012 “Equality Riders” and other community members.
WHEN: Sunday, March 25 at 10 a.m.
WHERE: All God’s Children MCC, 3100 Park Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55407
** For additional information or questions on any of the events, the “Equality Ride” or to schedule an interview with one of the “Equality Riders”, please contact Makenzie Marineau, Luna Media Group, makenzie@lunamediagroup.com, or via cell: 541-404-0033.
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Soulforce’s purpose is freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance. For more information, go to www.equalityride.com or www.soulforce.org. “Like” Soulforce on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/