Training in Austin

A van picked me, and a handful of other Equality Riders, up from the Austin, TX airport and transported us to the Best Western that will be our home for the next week. As the afternoon turned into evening the rest of the riders trickled--and sometimes flooded-- in. Presented with all of these new faces, the only option was clearly a meet-and-greet icebreaker. Yes, they are cheesy; but after being subjected to them twice daily, I have to admit they work.

One of my roommates for training is Matt Kulish (pictured here with the lovely Amy Scott), who you will recognize from the Equality Ride preview if you did your homework and watched it. Rooming with him gives me a different perspective on this whole endeavor. For my entire life I have either lived in the DC-Metropolitan suburbs or the heart of Los Angeles. The worst discrimination GLBT people receive is a passing joke. I joined this ride because I knew it was the right thing to do, but after talking with Matt and others like him, I now know it's the only thing to do. It's so much more serious now (while still being very fun, don't get me wrong). This training is providing me a perspective of the community that I had never seen before. A dark and gritty side. A side where suicide and depression are real problems, where homophobia means excommunication not just a snide comment. In some cerebral way I have always known the discrimination against GLBT people is still an issue, but that Matt is the first person I have ever met to face discrimination for being GLBT makes realize just how blessed I have been in life. Hopefully by the end of April the world will be a little bit better.

For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.
Luke 12:48