Soulforce, an organization dedicated to fighting anti-LGBT religious and political oppression, takes its message to the road again this spring, planning stops in 12 cities around the country. The Equality Ride visits Atlanta and Athens, Ga., on March 5-9.

The itinerary was still being planned at press time, but Georgia events currently scheduled include a discussion on spiritual non-violence at the University of Georgia in Athens on March 5, a conversation with Muslims for Progressive Values in Atlanta on March 7, and “From the Mountain Top: A Dialogue for Black LGBTQ Folks of Faith” at Atlanta’s Virginia-Highland Church  on March 9.  Details about the events will be posted online at www.equalityride.com

The goal of the Soulforce Equality Ride is to both inspire its young participants and engage with anti-gay religious institutions.

“Now on its fifth tour, the Equality Ride has visited over 70 fundamentalist, anti-LGBTQ religious colleges and universities and has allowed emerging young leaders to unite in the struggle for common equality and justice for LGBTQ people and other oppressed minorities,” leaders explained in a press release.

This year’s 17 riders include Chelsea Fullerton from Athens, Ga., a 2011 UGA graduate.

“Social and religious justice for the LGBT community has been an issue on my heart for some time, and I believe wholeheartedly in the unyielding yet loving spirit of the ride,” Fullerton said.

Other stops on this year’s Equality Ride include Nashville, Chicago, Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, New Orleans, Dallas, Abilene, Denver, Salt Lake City, Portland and San Francisco.

Top photo: This year’s Soulforce Equality Riders will visit Georgia from March 5 to March 9. (courtesy Soulforce)