My 9th 545 Mile Ride!
Yes, I'm riding again. I know . . . two years ago I said it was going to be my last ride, but honestly, I LOVE IT AND JUST MISS RIDING!
But also, I'm doing this for purely selfish reasons: the political climate in which we live is stressful, hurtful, disenfranchising, downright homophobic and fighting in courts to remove LGBTQ equality that has been so hard faught. I feel helpless . . . and this is my way of focusing my energy toward something GOOD, STRONG, EMPOWERING and most importanlty, WE ARE HELPING ALL THOSE THAT ARE BEING 'UNHELPED' by the current administration. So yes, this is my total FU to everything the current administration and the red hat wearers stand for.
I wish I was being more altruistic, and making this about all those that need it most and about how funding for AIDS is being cut by cities across the nation. About how the Los Angeles LGBT Center is on the forefront of the HIV fight and the medication needed to make HIV transmission a thing of the past. How they make sure LGBT youth who are thrown out of their homes stay off the streets, complete their educations and become self-sufficient. How the LGBT Center offers mental health counceling for those in need, 12 step programs for those who are lost in addiction and free STD checks to make sure we live in a healthy community. They create safe and afordable housing for LGBT seniors and enrich the arts by housing a theater and art spaces.
LGBT Centers have been here all my adult life; keeping me healthy, both physically and mentally when I had no insurance, letting me know that I am human and entitled to dignity and respect. I can never financially repay them for all that they have given me, but I can ride 545 miles on my bike to show my respect and gratitude for them.
Please help me raise $10,000. Let's do some good in the world!