At 3PM today I was released from Palm Beach County lockup. I was arrested at about 11:30 yesterday morning. Why? For trying to attend chapel on the campus at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Let me start from the begging.
We got to Palm Beach FL Saturday afternoon after a long 10 hour drive from Atlanta. We settled into our hotel and had a meeting about the coming days. PBA had offered us a meeting with a “select group of students at an undisclosed location.” This was only after our stop at Columbia International University. We rejected that offer because it did not further our mission to speak to as many students as possible. We held a picnic in a local park where some PBA students showed up. We got to talk to them as well as some community members. A few students assured us that we would be able to got chapel with them. That evening we talked about our day on campus and what that would like. Nicholas, Jarrett, Enzi, Lauren, Danielle and I decided we would attempt to go to chapel. I thought you know, its chapel. Its the house of God. Everyone is welcome.
When we pulled up to chapel police were already on stand by. We waited outside and talked to students until chapel began. When we heard the bells signaling it was time for chapel to start, I still held out hope that PBA would not arrest us for trying to go to chapel. As we approached, we read a warning by a PBA official that stated that we were “unwanted guests.” Unwanted? In God's house? It was true. I looked at Jarrett for direction who stepped forward and said “I am going to chapel.” I repeated what he said and took a step forward. The others followed suit and we were arrested for trespassing. We were arrested for trying to worship, with students in Gods house.
As the six of us were put into the back of police van I head the songs of my fellow Riders echoing out. Just As I Am and Om Shanit. I watched students tear up at the sight of the six of us getting arrested. I locked eyes with my fellow Rider Cait and in the moment I knew she was with me. I also saw the look of hurt and pain in her eyes.
We were taking to a local precinct and processed and then hauled off to county where we were placed into a holding cell with about 15 other guys. Jarrett, Nicholas and I were split up from the female bodied folk. We were asked “So why are guys here?” We were dressed in our polos, dress pants and nice shoes. We told the guys we were in holding with what had happened and they had same reaction, confusion and anger, that we were locked up for trying to go to chapel.
After holding we were then taken to shower and given a change of clothes. We were spending the night and were taken up to a block. Each block held 40 guys and ours was nearly full. When I walked in they were watching the news of us, and the rest of the guys in the block looked us and looked at the TV and quickly made the correlation. Some asked us questions about it, others just nodded and said “Good work.”
For me it was a sleepless night. I kept waking up and panicking because I forgot where I was. It was an early morning at 4:30 they woke us all up for chow. We then waited till they called us out to go to court which was held in the same building. At court was the first time we had seen the female bodied folk in while. We looked at each other and nodded. When we went in we were given a court date later in in November because no representative from PBA was present. We were released on our own recognizance with no money owed to the county.
We then had to go back up to our block and wait to be released. At around 2:15 we started the release process. Handing back our bed sheets, getting out belongings, and changing back to the clothes we were in when we came in. When I walked out the the final room of paperwork I saw Cait, Nick and Manny waiting for me. To see them waiting on me and giving me big hugs made me feel all the better when I walk outside the sky was blue, the sun was and there were more riders, Danielle and Lauren and Nicholas too. Hugs were given and after taking in the moment I headed down a long overpass and saw Bill make his way up the stairs. Again, hugs and words of encouragement ensued. When I reached the bottom the stairs there stood Katie and Taurett. Giving me hugs. I could not stop smiling and neither could they. The smiles were saying, we love you, we missed you and we are glad you are okay. I hoped on the bus, changed clothes and then waited for Enzi to be released. When I got to the bus, My fellow riders had decorated my seat with letters, notes and streamers. Welcome back. We missed you. Thank you for being brave for all of us.
I was curious to know what the PBA students said about us getting arrested for going to chapel. My fellow riders said that one student who I was talking to, John, said he hated to watch me get arrested for going to church. Another student, who told me he was gay, told the other riders that he wished he could have been with us.
So many things went through my mind the entire time I was in jail. Two things stood out. The first, is that God puts exactly where you need to be, even if it is in a cell block. The conversations I had with a few guys really reminded me of that. The second is that no matter what, when I get arrested I am following in the footsteps of Equality Riders before me, Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi all who stood their ground for what they believed in as well.
I am proud and humbled,mostly humbled, to say that I, Zak Rittenhouse, know what its like to go to jail for justice.
Yours From The Road (And Now A Former Jailbird),
Zak Rittenhouse
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
My HBCU Experenice
Our days in Atlanta came to a close and I left ATL with renewed sense of purpose and engery and drive. For me, it seems like when I feel really low I meet someone at stop that just lifts my spirits about all that we do.
Our fist day in Atlanta we went to Spelman college for a meet and greet with Afrakette and Safe Space, the Spelman and Morehouse LGBT student groups. It was refreshing to walk onto a campus and be welcomed with open arms. The students really wanted to know about us, our stories and and our journey thus far and beyond. We then went to dinner with some students. It was good to relax and just hang out. The next day we hit our first campus in Atlanta, Morehouse. Morehouse is an all men historically black college. Like Spelman, they do not have explicit polices that discriminate against LGBT students however both schools still have deep southern baptist roots as both were founded as seminaries for men and women. We were there to support the student groups on campus as well as aid them in working towards a better campus for all students.
When we got Morehouse we had breakfast with students, faculty and staff. We made introductions and and talked and shared our stories. We were then given a tour of the Morehouse campus. After our tour we set up a table on Kilgore Plaza and handed out flyer's for that nights event, an open Mic night at a local coffee house, and talked to students. After we were done hanging out on the plaza we headed to a meeting with the Chapel assistants on campus. I have never see a room so full. When he discussion started it was very intense. It was a good, intense though. Both groups you could tell we were trying and wanting to know where the other group was coming from. Someone described as an intellectual buffet, and I could not have agreed more. That evening we headed back campus and participated in a queer themed open Mic. Members from both student groups and even a few Equality Riders preformed. It was awesome.
We woke up the next morning and it was off to Spelman college to set up a table at their Friday Market. Students and staff came up to us and wanted to know who we were and what we were about. That afternoon we had a panel discussion around Gender and watched a student directed and produced film called “No Homo.” It was a documentary on what it's like to be LGBT at Morehouse and Spelman. It was really good and gave me a better understanding of what that experience is like. We then headed back to our hotel to get ready for our last event in Atlanta, a house party. A Morehouse student opened his home up to us the last night to give us some time off from the work we do, however the work that we do was the hot topic of the night. We really got the chance to connect with the students we had interacted with the past few days.
h
Our fist day in Atlanta we went to Spelman college for a meet and greet with Afrakette and Safe Space, the Spelman and Morehouse LGBT student groups. It was refreshing to walk onto a campus and be welcomed with open arms. The students really wanted to know about us, our stories and and our journey thus far and beyond. We then went to dinner with some students. It was good to relax and just hang out. The next day we hit our first campus in Atlanta, Morehouse. Morehouse is an all men historically black college. Like Spelman, they do not have explicit polices that discriminate against LGBT students however both schools still have deep southern baptist roots as both were founded as seminaries for men and women. We were there to support the student groups on campus as well as aid them in working towards a better campus for all students.
When we got Morehouse we had breakfast with students, faculty and staff. We made introductions and and talked and shared our stories. We were then given a tour of the Morehouse campus. After our tour we set up a table on Kilgore Plaza and handed out flyer's for that nights event, an open Mic night at a local coffee house, and talked to students. After we were done hanging out on the plaza we headed to a meeting with the Chapel assistants on campus. I have never see a room so full. When he discussion started it was very intense. It was a good, intense though. Both groups you could tell we were trying and wanting to know where the other group was coming from. Someone described as an intellectual buffet, and I could not have agreed more. That evening we headed back campus and participated in a queer themed open Mic. Members from both student groups and even a few Equality Riders preformed. It was awesome.
We woke up the next morning and it was off to Spelman college to set up a table at their Friday Market. Students and staff came up to us and wanted to know who we were and what we were about. That afternoon we had a panel discussion around Gender and watched a student directed and produced film called “No Homo.” It was a documentary on what it's like to be LGBT at Morehouse and Spelman. It was really good and gave me a better understanding of what that experience is like. We then headed back to our hotel to get ready for our last event in Atlanta, a house party. A Morehouse student opened his home up to us the last night to give us some time off from the work we do, however the work that we do was the hot topic of the night. We really got the chance to connect with the students we had interacted with the past few days.
h
Friday, October 10, 2008
Reflections Of Columbia SC From Atlanta GA
Sitting here in Atlanta watching the traffic wiz by in the highway I can't help but think of our most recent stop in Columbia SC at Colombia International University. This stop will remain important to me because a reality was really made clear, no matter how much students want to talk to us, the administration is afraid.
When we got Columbia SC we were welcomed at a a local LGBT center for a backyard BBQ. We met many amazing people. There was one to me who stood out, here name was Elke. Her son Sean was beaten and killed in SC because he was gay. She has now made it her mission to educate people on the lack of hate crime laws in SC. She told us a story about how her church kicked her out at a time when the should have held her close. She is truly an amazing woman and has started a foundation to help educate other by telling her story. As we left the center my mind was full and I was ready to get settled into the hotel and relax for the next day we hit campus.
We when pulled up to CIU the administration had blocked off with a section at the very edge of campus. It was blocked off with yellow police tape and road barricades. The campus was at least a mile down the road. We we asked on administrator why the barricade he said it was for our safety from the road. The road was behind us at least 40 feet and there no barricades on that side. As were setting up for the day we watched a group of about 30 students walk towards us. They had to walk a mile to get to us and cross police tape with words do not enter on it. What kind of message is that sending? Standing vigil and gathering my thoughts at the barricade I counted at least 8 identifiable police cars. What were they so afraid of? I placed my Bible on the barricade and watched as two police officers took a few steps toward me, once they realized I was just placing my Bible there they stepped back.
We had some great conversations with students. The administration however was out in full force and roved around the entire. Almost as if to monitor what the students were saying. While I feel we had some genuine conversations I feel the students held back because of the administration.
Towards the end of the day we abruptly told we had to leave campus because the administration had a staff meeting. We asked if we could continue to speak with students and the faculty said “No.” The faculty would not let these young men and women speak to us with out them in ear shot. We were then asked to remove ourselves to very edge of campus, right next to the same busy road we were told eariler in the day they wanted to protect us from. It was disappointing that the administration reacted the way they did. We watched as the students looked confused as were put by the side of the road.
The next day we were asked to go to the University Of South Carolina to support them in the National Coming Out Day celebrations. We pulled on to campus and parked the bus on campus all day while talking to students and supporting the USC community. It was a great day for the riders and I to kinda relax and hang out and talk to students about what it means to come out. The USC community was amazing.
Now we are in Atlanta GA visiting Morehouse and Spelman Colleges. Our visits here are a little different. While Morehouse and Spelman do not have polices that discriminate against LGBT students, both schools were founded with deep Baptist roots. Currently both colleges have student groups that support LGBT people on their respective campuses. While here in Atlanta we are here to show our support of the progress these schools have made and to have peaceful dialogue with students.
The ride has been nothing short of an emotional roller coaster thus far and I can only imagine what coming weeks will bring.
From The Road,
Zak Rittenhouse
When we got Columbia SC we were welcomed at a a local LGBT center for a backyard BBQ. We met many amazing people. There was one to me who stood out, here name was Elke. Her son Sean was beaten and killed in SC because he was gay. She has now made it her mission to educate people on the lack of hate crime laws in SC. She told us a story about how her church kicked her out at a time when the should have held her close. She is truly an amazing woman and has started a foundation to help educate other by telling her story. As we left the center my mind was full and I was ready to get settled into the hotel and relax for the next day we hit campus.
We when pulled up to CIU the administration had blocked off with a section at the very edge of campus. It was blocked off with yellow police tape and road barricades. The campus was at least a mile down the road. We we asked on administrator why the barricade he said it was for our safety from the road. The road was behind us at least 40 feet and there no barricades on that side. As were setting up for the day we watched a group of about 30 students walk towards us. They had to walk a mile to get to us and cross police tape with words do not enter on it. What kind of message is that sending? Standing vigil and gathering my thoughts at the barricade I counted at least 8 identifiable police cars. What were they so afraid of? I placed my Bible on the barricade and watched as two police officers took a few steps toward me, once they realized I was just placing my Bible there they stepped back.
We had some great conversations with students. The administration however was out in full force and roved around the entire. Almost as if to monitor what the students were saying. While I feel we had some genuine conversations I feel the students held back because of the administration.
Towards the end of the day we abruptly told we had to leave campus because the administration had a staff meeting. We asked if we could continue to speak with students and the faculty said “No.” The faculty would not let these young men and women speak to us with out them in ear shot. We were then asked to remove ourselves to very edge of campus, right next to the same busy road we were told eariler in the day they wanted to protect us from. It was disappointing that the administration reacted the way they did. We watched as the students looked confused as were put by the side of the road.
The next day we were asked to go to the University Of South Carolina to support them in the National Coming Out Day celebrations. We pulled on to campus and parked the bus on campus all day while talking to students and supporting the USC community. It was a great day for the riders and I to kinda relax and hang out and talk to students about what it means to come out. The USC community was amazing.
Now we are in Atlanta GA visiting Morehouse and Spelman Colleges. Our visits here are a little different. While Morehouse and Spelman do not have polices that discriminate against LGBT students, both schools were founded with deep Baptist roots. Currently both colleges have student groups that support LGBT people on their respective campuses. While here in Atlanta we are here to show our support of the progress these schools have made and to have peaceful dialogue with students.
The ride has been nothing short of an emotional roller coaster thus far and I can only imagine what coming weeks will bring.
From The Road,
Zak Rittenhouse
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Walking On To Liberty
I woke up this morning very reflective. It had been a week since the other riders and I got to Baltimore. Our last bit of training under our belts and ready to have the dialog we have been wanting for so long.
I will remember what Peterson Toscano said to us about people not remembering what we said, but how we made them feel. Peterson talked to us about the ex-gay movement and his experiences in it. It really struck a cord with me on just one of the many experiences we will encounter on campus.
I will remember what Phil Lawson said about speaking with nothing but love in out hearts, even when we feel that that love is not being returned. I will remember what it means to full grace, compassion and faith like only Phil can describe.
I will remember what my fellow Riders have said at different points that really have made me realize how important it is to be on this journey. While for many this a journey for our selves, its also about each other and the LGBT students on campus we are there for.
I will remember what one Mississippi College student said about what is means to the LGBT students on campus when we get arrested. I will remember that every time I get arrested that the message I am sending the student who in the closet is one of hope, faith and love. That I love them so much that I would go that far for them.
This week as has been tough. Emotions have run the course of high highs and low lows, but in the end. Its all worth it and I would not change it for anything.
Today was the day we saw our bus for the first time. “I am really doing this.” I thought. The bus looks amazing, and I hope to post a picture soon. We hit the road early, our hearts firm yet loving and our minds really taking it in what it means to be on this journey. We are heading to Liberty today. We have been told that they will allow 5 of us on campus. We also know what they are telling the media. That we are not coming and if we do we are not allowed on campus. It really made me wonder what will happen.
As I rolled on to campus with the other riders I felt a an overwhelming sense of peace and calm wash over me and a voice saying “Your doing the right thing.” That gave me a lot of comfort. After filling off the bus and standing vigil with the rest of the riders Katie, Danielle, Nicholas, Cait and myslef gathered the books that we were going to donate to Liberty. We had a police escort to the spot where Liberty begins. After that we were on our own. We walked on to campus. No police. We entered the Liberty library. No police. We walked to the courtyard to have dialog with students. No police.
We walked on to campus had amazing dialog with students. Students who really wanted to talk us. To be there and to be a part of that experience was an amazing thing. To command the attention of 50 or more of peers, just by your mere presence is a powerful thing.
We then went to an affirming church in the Lynchburg area. They were so welcoming and wanted to know us, our stories, and who we were. We then had amazing time of fellowship with the church as well as Liberty students.
What it boils down to is this, my journey with these amazing people has just begun. There will be many times where things will be hard. We will rely on each other as much as we rely on our home base for support. I feel for the first time in a long time that this is where I am supposed to be and I could not be any happier.
From The Road
Zak Rittenhouse
zak@equalityride.com
I will remember what Peterson Toscano said to us about people not remembering what we said, but how we made them feel. Peterson talked to us about the ex-gay movement and his experiences in it. It really struck a cord with me on just one of the many experiences we will encounter on campus.
I will remember what Phil Lawson said about speaking with nothing but love in out hearts, even when we feel that that love is not being returned. I will remember what it means to full grace, compassion and faith like only Phil can describe.
I will remember what my fellow Riders have said at different points that really have made me realize how important it is to be on this journey. While for many this a journey for our selves, its also about each other and the LGBT students on campus we are there for.
I will remember what one Mississippi College student said about what is means to the LGBT students on campus when we get arrested. I will remember that every time I get arrested that the message I am sending the student who in the closet is one of hope, faith and love. That I love them so much that I would go that far for them.
This week as has been tough. Emotions have run the course of high highs and low lows, but in the end. Its all worth it and I would not change it for anything.
Today was the day we saw our bus for the first time. “I am really doing this.” I thought. The bus looks amazing, and I hope to post a picture soon. We hit the road early, our hearts firm yet loving and our minds really taking it in what it means to be on this journey. We are heading to Liberty today. We have been told that they will allow 5 of us on campus. We also know what they are telling the media. That we are not coming and if we do we are not allowed on campus. It really made me wonder what will happen.
As I rolled on to campus with the other riders I felt a an overwhelming sense of peace and calm wash over me and a voice saying “Your doing the right thing.” That gave me a lot of comfort. After filling off the bus and standing vigil with the rest of the riders Katie, Danielle, Nicholas, Cait and myslef gathered the books that we were going to donate to Liberty. We had a police escort to the spot where Liberty begins. After that we were on our own. We walked on to campus. No police. We entered the Liberty library. No police. We walked to the courtyard to have dialog with students. No police.
We walked on to campus had amazing dialog with students. Students who really wanted to talk us. To be there and to be a part of that experience was an amazing thing. To command the attention of 50 or more of peers, just by your mere presence is a powerful thing.
We then went to an affirming church in the Lynchburg area. They were so welcoming and wanted to know us, our stories, and who we were. We then had amazing time of fellowship with the church as well as Liberty students.
What it boils down to is this, my journey with these amazing people has just begun. There will be many times where things will be hard. We will rely on each other as much as we rely on our home base for support. I feel for the first time in a long time that this is where I am supposed to be and I could not be any happier.
From The Road
Zak Rittenhouse
zak@equalityride.com
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The Ride That Almost Never Was
When you pour your heart and soul into something you want it to work out okay. One thing you don't expect is to be told there is a possibility that it may not happen.
“So Zak we just had a really big grant fall though. We will know by 4pm today if we are going on the ride.” That was phone call I got yesterday. For the next few hours I prayed, called, emailed, prayed and wondered what would happen to me if the Ride did not happen. At 5:30 I got a phone call saying that the Equality Ride was still on.
In that time I realized something that I never thought of before. If we did not do this work who would? I thought to myself that the Equality Ride not happening is not an option. I realized that as much as I am passionate about this work that it is not longer about me and how I feel about the ride. Its about the students on the campus who are struggling with who they are the faith they have known all their lives. If anything I am much more gracious to be here and humbled to be a part of this work.
We made it to Baltimore today and started into our first day of training this evening. We shared our feelings about what I call Black Tuesday, caught up with each other, ate dinner and settled in. We are making home here in the city for a week. One more week of training and workshops. There will not be a dull moment. I can guarantee you this!
I know some of you are wondering if we still need to raise money. The answer is yes. We still need money. You can donate at www.equalityride.com/donate or www.soulforce.org/zak_rittenhouse. Our work is not possiblie without your support.
From The Road
Zak Rittenhouse
Zak@equalityride.com
www.soulforce.org/zak_rittenhouse
For more information on the Equality Ride and where we are going check out www.equalityride.com!
“So Zak we just had a really big grant fall though. We will know by 4pm today if we are going on the ride.” That was phone call I got yesterday. For the next few hours I prayed, called, emailed, prayed and wondered what would happen to me if the Ride did not happen. At 5:30 I got a phone call saying that the Equality Ride was still on.
In that time I realized something that I never thought of before. If we did not do this work who would? I thought to myself that the Equality Ride not happening is not an option. I realized that as much as I am passionate about this work that it is not longer about me and how I feel about the ride. Its about the students on the campus who are struggling with who they are the faith they have known all their lives. If anything I am much more gracious to be here and humbled to be a part of this work.
We made it to Baltimore today and started into our first day of training this evening. We shared our feelings about what I call Black Tuesday, caught up with each other, ate dinner and settled in. We are making home here in the city for a week. One more week of training and workshops. There will not be a dull moment. I can guarantee you this!
I know some of you are wondering if we still need to raise money. The answer is yes. We still need money. You can donate at www.equalityride.com/donate or www.soulforce.org/zak_rittenhouse. Our work is not possiblie without your support.
From The Road
Zak Rittenhouse
Zak@equalityride.com
www.soulforce.org/zak_rittenhouse
For more information on the Equality Ride and where we are going check out www.equalityride.com!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
It's Time To Hit The Road, Almost!
I can't believe its almost here. The 2008 Soulforce Q Equality Ride which I am a part of this year. 18 people. 15 college campuses. 2 months. 1 bus. In a few days I will be hoping on a plane and traveling to Baltimore to reunite with the rest of the Riders. It has been since the middle of July that I last saw any of them but if I know anything, distance means nothing between friends. Once we all arrive in Baltimore it will be one week of continued training, finalizing presentations, and continued hard work to make sure that each one of the school stops each rider planned is ready to go when we get to that community.
Since this is my first blog I guess I should tell you a little about who I am. My name is Zak Rittenhouse, 21 years old and I come from a small, rural, southern Ohio town called Frankfort, about 20 miles east of Chillicothe. My hometown is very conservative and there is a church on every block, needless to say growing up, being a part of the church and a Christian was a big a part of my life. I was your typical active member in my church youth group. Summer mission trips, Friday night football gatherings after the game, and youth choir were all part of my life. I also have been gay for as long as I can remember. When I could first put a name to my feelings I did what any good Christian man would do, I prayed. Hard. I wanted to be straight, I heard what my pastor said about gay people. Then I thought, “If my church can see me doing all this awesome things for Christ, maybe that will change how they see gay people. If they knew that they were talking about they would change their minds.” I told my youth pastor I was gay, and he echoed the same sentiments that my pastor had stated. I never set foot in that church again.
Though I never set foot in that particular church again I knew that God loved me just the way he made me. So I continued to believe and pray that God would send me a message of hope. And boy, did he deliver!
I was sitting at home watching TV and the UCC “Bouncer” add came on. I watched with so much interest and immediately went on the Internet to check it all out. Needless to say, this was the sign I was praying for.
Since then I have been spreading the message that God loves all people, even LGBT people. One of my friends turned me on to Soulforce and the Equality Ride. After a multitude of phone interviews and essays, I found out I landed a seat on the bus this year.
This ride is going to be nothing short of amazing. I am looking forward to so many things! Running with Nick and Nicholas, talking music with Azariah and Manny, learning Russian from Anna, finding cool little vegetarian friendly spots on the road with Lauren, laughing at the thing us country kids do with Rachel, curling up and watching movies on the bus with Alex, Taueret and Cait, learning all I can from Katie, Haven, Jarrett and Bill who are on their third Equality Ride, sharing Americorps stories with Enzi, and laughing and telling jokes with Abby and Danielle, and so many more. These people will become my family while I am on the road, and I could not have picked a better one myself.
Well I am looking forward to many good experiences while on the road, I know it wont all be cupcakes and puppys, however I am ready for the challenge and to spread a message of unconditional, unwavering, love to places where LGBT rarely, if ever, hear that message. Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I am ready to be that change. Keep track of me all the riders here and check out out rider pages at http://www.soulforce.org/2008riders to learn more about us. If you have not had the chance please take sometime and donate to one of the amazing riders. We each have a goal of 3500 and without the support of people like you there is no way we would make it! Well folks, I am out of here to go study, read and start packing!
From The Road(Almost)
Zak Rittenhouse
Zak@equalityride.com
www.soulforce.org/zak_rittenhouse
For more information on the Equality Ride and where we are going check out www.equalityride.com!
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