(INTO THE LIGHT) Coming Full Circle! What's Next?

Above: Reading names of TBLG related hate crime and suicide victims at the White House.

Surreal – that’s what it felt like to arrive at the White House, walking the last three miles of this more than 6,000-mile step-by-step journey with over thirty people from Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Members of my birth and acquired family were there. People I just met that day were there. All of us gathered together to demand the same thing – full equality for people based on their gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.

We marched together. We shared our experiences together. We chanted together. At the end of the rally, we walked up to the lawn of the People’s House and screamed the names of so many queer and perceived queer folks we’ve lost due to hate. And at the climax of the whole experience we chanted for the world to hear, “Full Equality Now! Full Equality Now! Full Equality Now!”

(INTO THE LIGHT) We Made IT!

(Washington, DC) Carrying pictures of the faces and names of those whose lives have been cut short by the effects of TBLG inequality, dozens of marchers ascended on Lafayette Park yesterday afternoon not only to issue the mandate for full equality but also to mark the end of a historic journey.

Since May 31, 2011, Alan Bounville has walked from Seattle, Washington, pushing a cart of his belongings. On the cart are two rainbow-colored signs that read, “Full Equality NOW!” He’s walked every step of the way, zigzagging from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, often over harsh terrain and in even harsher weather. Seattle, Washington, pushing a cart of his belongings. On the cart are two rainbow-colored signs that read, “Full Equality NOW!” He’s walked every step of the way, zigzagging from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, often over harsh terrain and in even harsher weather.

(INTO THE LIGHT) Passing through the Milestone!

6,000 Miles and counting...!

(INTO THE LIGHT) Getting Closer!

by Alan Bounville

This is the mock up of the main signs and banner we will have with us as we walk up to the White House on Feb. 23rd. There will also be hand-held American flags for people, light-up rings that we will use as our vigil candles (no open flames allowed), and print-outs of victim faces/names for people to hold while we are walking (similar to the big victim signs seen here).
RSVP for the Final 3 miles and Rally/Vigil at the White House here: https://www.facebook.com/events/325883617526117/?fref=ts

(INTO THE LIGHT) Nadia’s Letter!

Nadia pushing Equality Cart between Orlando and Cocoa Beach in the middle of August, 2012

A dear friend, Nadia Stone, wrote the following letter that she is sending out to media outlets to generate attention for the walk and the final vigil and march we are doing in Washington, DC on February 23rd.

(INTO THE LIGHT) Photos: Cleveland, TN to Charlotte, NC!

A Cold and Narrow Road

Cool suspension bridge over a river.

(INTO THE LIGHT) Seeing the Promised Land!

 by Alan Bounville

Today I walk into the first place where I ever came out of the closet, Cherokee, NC. The day I came out in Cherokee, during the summer of 1997, was the day I started heaving a mountain of suppressed emotions from deep within me to their proper place-right on the surface.

I’m on the other side now. I’m no longer being held in place by such a weight. I’m walking on top of the mountain. Not only that, but today I’m WALKING DOWN HILL ALL THE WAY! And I will walk with my rainbow-emblazoned Equality Cart into this spiritual place, demanding what is rightfully mine – full equality NOW!!!

(Into the Light) the TOP 5 Posts of 2012!

In 2012, Alan Bounville completed most of his 6,000 mile walk cross country for Gender Equality. The Year Started in West Texas and currently  has 600 miles to go. Here are our Top 5 Posts, according to our Readers (Based on Page Views.)

5. Hey, Homo! (7/11)

4. A Vigil in San Antonio! (2/8)

3. Lost in Texas! (2/29) and Leaving Texas! (4/18)

2. Reaching the Atlantic! (8/15)

(Best of 2012) the TOP 5 Columns on OUTview!

In 2012, OUTview went back to its Roots and brought more columns from different Views and different parts of the world, so Here are our Top 5 COLUMNS, according to our Readers (Based on Page Views.)

5. INTO THE LIGHT

4. JESSE on the BRINK

3. MK SCOTT

2. MOVIE FREAK

(INTO THE LIGHT) What Ya Sellin’?

by Alan Bounville

An older man in a pick-up truck pulled over today and asked me in a thick Tennessee drawl, “Are you picking up kids?” Stunned a bit, I said in reply, “Excuse me?” I heard him right the second time as he slowly repeated, “I said are you picking up cans?” “Ha ha. No. I’m walking across the country.” “Oh. OK then.” And he was off.

Here’s a list of some more things people think I’m doing while pushing Equality Cart:

(INTO THE LIGHT) All About Goldie!

 by Alan Bounville

Meet Goldie Hawn! A few miles into a walk last week, a stow away joined me. It was raining this morning and this poor puppy was wandering around the highway soaking wet, coming close to being hit by cars a number of times as I past him. I didn’t know what to do. I’m so fed up at folks in the country not keeping their pets away from the road – ESPECIALLY when they live on a highway!

But something was different about this baby. He looked confused and scared. I called him over to me and saw that he was thin. I gave him a bit of my food. I went to the nearest house and talked to someone there who said his humans were in the house up the street. I asked if they could help get him home. The person refused. So, I walked away. Since I showed this adorable puppy some kindness, he began following me.

I thought after a little ways he would get tired and walk home. He didn’t. But he didn’t stay away from the road either. I kept having to go into the road to rescue him from being hit. After a couple of miles I gave him a name – Goldie Hawn. But I was still hoping he would turn around and go home. Five miles in, Goldie Hawn was still walking with me, across my path, and across the street.

(INTO THE LIGHT) Transgender Day of Remembrance 2012!

by Alan Bounville

It is with a heavy heart that I share this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil video with you all. There are so many new names this year. It’s horrible.

It’s time we demand from our government, our neighbors, our families – Full equality NOW!

FULL EQUALITY NOW!!!

(INTO THE LIGHT) Walkin’ in Memphis!

by Alan Bounville

I made it again to the Mississippi River! Here I am at the end of Beale St. in Memphis, TN. In a few days, when I reach the 5,000 mile mark, I’ll have walked 17,600,000 steps for equality. That’s right – 17 million, six hundred thousand steps. Fortunately for me, my host here in Memphis is a massage therapist. I’ve had two full body massages in the past couple days. Thank you William for being my massage angel!!!

(INTO THE LIGHT) 25 Miles of Cold Wind in My Face – Or – just another day walking across country.!

DONATE HERE

(INTO THE LIGHT WALK) How I am Taking Step One!

by Alan Bounville

I just sent away for my absentee ballot. How weird having to call the supervisor of elections office and explain, “Well, see, I’m walking across the country and I don’t have an address where I can have the ballot sent to.” And have the person say, “You’re what? Wow! I know I’m not supposed to take time to talk with people like this, but, well, where did you start?” We talked for a few minutes. I shared “I’m walking for transgender, bisexual, lesbian and gay equality.” They were fully supportive and in the end said, “Well, you definitely need to vote so let’s figure this out.”

I wanted to know first off how long it would take for the ballot to get to me. Once they told me it would go out in the next day, I told them I’d call back once I figured out the best place for them to send the ballot. I hung up and called a post office outside of Birmingham, AL, where I’ll be in a week or less, and talked with one of the folks there. Due to my unusual circumstances, they agreed to let me have the ballot sent to them. I thanked them and hung up. I called the elections office again and gave them the address of the Alabaman post office. My ballot is now officially requested. Now I just need to research the history and positions of the candidates in my district to make my voting decisions. Then next week I’ll walk into the post office on my way through Birmingham and make my voice heard – PROGRESS NOT REGRESS!

(Into The Light Walk) Atlanta Vigil for a Dozen Victims!

by Alan Bounville

The vigil I did today for a dozen victims of oppositional sexism here in the Atlanta area.

(INTO THE LIGHT WALK) WTOC TV Savannah News Coverage of Walk!

by Alan Bounville

Thank you to my Savannah host, Robert Ricard, Juan at Barber Pole on Bull Street, and WTOC’s Don Logana for making this story happen.

Click HERE to see video.

To Donate to Into the Light Walk CLICK HERE

(INTO THE LIGHT WALK) Drama in Savannah!

by Alan Bounville

Staying in different places all the time has caught up with me. Last night I was walking through a dark living room in my host’s home and forgot it was a sunken room. I fell down two stairs and hit my head on a wooden cabinet. I immediately knew I needed to go to the emergency room. I was given an MRI (no damage outside of the gash, thankfully), 6 stitches, and paperwork that will lead to a large bill. I need advice about minimizing the scarring. Please post thoughts below – or connect me with a plastic surgeon who can answer a few questions. Thank you.

PS Thank you to Robert Ricard (my host) for taking exceptional care of me last night! He was a rock.

(INTO THE LIGHT WALK) My First Ever Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean!

by Alan Bounville

The very first time I’ve ever watched the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. (And I’m an east coaster!). Walking into the light today for sure! Take a few minutes to enjoy the sound of crashing waves as you watch this beautiful moment with me.

I have the urge to write. Much of the time I have something to say. But right now I just have the urge to write…something. Maybe it’s because I’ve passed a major turning point and I’m going through a transition period in this whole walk experience? Now that I’ve walked every step across the North American continent, I find that I tell new people I meet, “I’ve walked every step across the North American Continent!” I say this with such pride. It was as if that was the first thing I thought of too when I ran into the Atlantic Ocean a few weeks ago. But it’s so weird when I do say it. Like I wonder if I actually did do this thing. Me? The guy who always thought of himself as average.

(INTO THE LIGHT WALK) Every Step from Pacific to Atlantic!!!

by Alan Bounville