Ride the Arc is a first-of-its-kind, multi-state bicycle ride for equality and justice. Its mission to facilitate significant change in discriminatory perceptions, practices and policies will lead ultimately to a culture characterized by stronger, healthier, more impartial citizens.
Spearheaded by athlete Danielle Girdano, Ride the Arc intends to publicize the need for equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people, to raise awareness about the high GLBT suicide rate, and to promote places of welcome and refuge and affirming groups.
One organization partnering with Ride the Arc is Quest, a unique program that offers teens an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. The Ride will partner with groups along the route to create local events which will help advance the movement miles closer to equality.
Ride the Arc began in Minneapolis on Aug. 9 and will end in Dallas on Sept. 18, the eve of Dallas’ GLBT Pride Weekend. The distance of 1,300 miles between Minneapolis and Dallas will be augmented by supplementary miles ridden by Girdano and by group rides in towns and cities along the route, eventually comprising the total goal of 5,000 miles.
Girdano’s passion for Ride the Arc is evident immediately when she describes the event.
“I’m doing this ride for every GLBT person who has been harassed, had slurs thrown at them, been beaten, been threatened, denied a job, house or love,” she said. “The route and the ride is a mirror of our struggle as a people. It’s uphill, hard, long and requires a tremendous amount of preparation. It’s not a race, but rather a journey of endurance. This ride will give hope and bring awareness. I truly believe with all my heart we will impact lives. I have faith that we can save lives as well.”
The three biggest factors motivating Girdano are calling attention to the high rate of suicide in the GLBT community, calling positive attention to affirming groups and promoting equality in general.
“If we can save one kid, each of these 5,000 miles is worth it,” said Girdano.
Although other individuals and groups have traversed the United States from east to west and from west to east, this is the first documented ride by a female athlete to cross the center of the country from north to south.
For more information about Ride the Arc, visit www.ridethearc.org. Donations can be made payable to Ride the Arc. Ride the Arc is an outreach project of Quest/Global Training Concepts, a 501 C(3) organization. Donations can be sent to Kompetition Services c/o Ride the Arc, 4503 W. University Blvd., Dallas, TX 75209.
Donations will help pay for Girdano’s food and lodging along the way, and any excess will be donated to GLBT charities.
