A Man on a Mission

by | May 2, 2008 | 0 comments

Tell us a little about yourself and where you’re from?

I was raised in Superior, WI but being a senior at UW–Madison I now consider Madison my home. My parents are the most important thing in my life. They taught me how to truly love all people and instilled in me a love for justice and equality. Most importantly, they’ve always supported me in everything I’ve wanted to do—like opening my own DJ’ing company or starting a Gay-Straight Alliance in a rural Wisconsin high-school.

How did you get involved in Social Justice Activism?

In high school I was kicked out of my church for being gay, so I decided to start a GSA. Then in college I was asked by my friend Derek to participate in the Soulforce “Right to Serve Campaign” protesting Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.

Division of the arts
DCHS Wildlife Center
Ballet - Timeless - 300x300

What is Soulforce?

Soulforce (www.Soulforce.org) is a national organization committed to creating freedom for LGBT people from religious and political oppression through nonviolent resistance. Soulforce puts on a number of campaigns and events to combat religious violence including the Equality Ride, a two month cross country journey of young adults visiting college campuses that openly discriminate against LGBT students.

What was the experience like on the Equality Ride?

The Equality Ride (www.EqualityRide.com) was a life-changing experience. The conversations I had were amazing because I was really able to connect on a personal level with people who had never known an openly gay person. Sometimes it was scary. We would receive death threats, be shut out of schools, get arrested or the bus would get spray painted. Yet, opening people’s eyes to the love and passion I have as a gay man of faith was amazing. Love is a powerful tool, one I believe is not used enough by many activists.

DCHS Wildlife Center
Ballet - Timeless - 300x300
Division of the arts

What was it like getting arrested?

It’s difficult and empowering. I hoped that I wouldn’t be arrested, especially when all I wanted to do was have a conversation. Ultimately, the message of hope, love and reconciliation was too important to be silenced.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

This November I’ll be serving as the co-chair for the first ever national LGBT Fraternity and Sorority Conference (www.lambda10.org) and am working to create a new “Soulforce Students” student organization for LGBT students of faith. In two years I hope to attend law school and would ultimately like to enter politics, creating change from within the system. Until then, I will continue to be a “big gay DJ” to those in need of loud music, flashing lights, and dancing.

Article Tags

Ballet - Timeless - Banner
Advert 77
MGHA tournament

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Ballet - Timeless - Banner
MGHA tournament
Advert 77

Latest News

Cash & Olive’s Pub

Cash & Olive’s Pub

Jen O’Branovich and Courtney Sargent of Millie’s Coffee & Eatery in Cambridge have traded in the sunny space they formerly occupied in Galleria 214 to expand into a more Sconnie-style environment outside the main drag.

Pain Is In the Brain

Pain Is In the Brain

Nyle Biondi, MS LMFT, was one of the first out trans therapists in the state of Wisconsin and has devoted the past few years to helping others heal from chronic pain and health conditions.

Be Every Day

Be Every Day

A journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and love decades in the making. Follow along and be inspired at how Martha Marvel discovered her truth.

Queer Joy Book Club

Queer Joy Book Club

A Q&A with the Social Media Administrator, Jamie Butler, about a monthly meetup at the Goodman South Madison Public Library. The Queer Joy Book Club strives to be inclusive by considering books available in the Madison library system that have an e-reader option, an audiobook option, or even a graphic novel.

Latest News

VIEW ALL LATEST NEWS

DCHS Wildlife Center
Division of the arts
Ballet - Timeless - 300x300

Events

SUBMIT AN EVENT

VIEW ALL EVENTS

Jobs

SUBMIT A JOB POSTING

VIEW ALL JOBS

Popular Tags

Pin It on Pinterest