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The
Soulforce Equality Riders rolled into Idaho on Friday to visit the
first of two religious universities where policies exist that endorse
discrimination against LGBT students.
About 25 Equality Riders found a cordial reception at Northwest
Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, where they had an opportunity to
engage students in civil discussion about homosexuality and attitudes
on campus.
Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho
Soulforce activist Cylest Brooks, 21, described the
overall experience at NNU as positive, but apparent that a lot of work
still needs to be done toward changing written policies that are
clearly unfair toward gay students.
Brooks was referring to NNU´s policy that says heterosexuals cannot
have sex before they are married, and you cannot have a homosexual
relationship.
She indicated that while straight students could engage in open
affection, gay students must face the threat of retribution due to the
school´s policy as it relates to homosexuality.
Soulforce activist Cylest Brooks, of Fort. Wayne, IN, talks to PrideDEPOT.com
"The policy towards LGBT people insinuates that you can´t hold hands
and that you can´t be in a relationship, period," she said. "We
understand that NNU has a more difficult time in that it faces
institutional retribution due to policies from the Nazarene Church. We
had some professors come up to us and say, `you´re right, this policy
doesn´t make sense, but there is nothing we can do about it right now´."
A recent graduate told Soulforce that while attending NNU, he was
openly gay and he had a partner. Brooks said he never faced any
academic retribution, and that his college experience was positive and
supporting.
"His thought to us was that the school must keep the policies in
place that match those of the Nazarene denomination," she said. "They
have a policy that is not reflected in their actions."
Equality Rider Haven Herrin (left) and Cylest Brooks talk with local Boise media.
The Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Bombshell
Brooks said the brief time that they did have with the students hit
an unplanned detour when one of the Equality Riders asked an unexpected
question to the audience.
"They were asked how many people in this room would be involved in a
GSA, and probably 125 people held up hands in support," she said. "And
that really made the administration uncomfortable. The administration
thought asking that question was really crossing the line into
advocacy."
The question was not intentional, but it did demonstrate the level of acceptance for LGBT dialogue.
Motivated by Tragedy
On April 28, 2006, Brooks dealt with the loss of a very close gay friend.
"He was only 20 years old, and he committed suicide," she said. "In
our small, conservative town he had faced a lot of backlash. Many times
he was closed off and not even allowed inside the church doors."
Brooks said that after her close friend´s death she decided that things had to change.
"I really needed to speak up. I needed to find a way to end this
religious based discrimination, and then I found Soulforce and became
involved in the Equality Ride," she said.
“I Found Soulforce in July and filled out an application the
following month,” she said. “My personal faith in God is stronger and I
have a better understanding of my life and my place in the world.”
KTVB Channel 7 Reporter Areka Spencer interviews Equality Riders at NNU.
The Future of Soulforce
Soulforce is looking to continue its work of reaching out with its
message of equality to religious universities and institutions where
LGBT people face discrimination that is written into its policies.
Next year, Soulforce will operate three busses that will set course on three ventures:
o Christian Colleges
o Historically Black Colleges
o Military Academies
The activist group is also looking into plans to expand into an international tour at some point in the future.
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